Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement.

The alleged kingpin of the largest banking scam in the country's history, Modi left the country along with his family in the first week of January, before the alleged scam became public.

The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had, on February 14, informed the exchanges about detecting the fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai, and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects.

Central government agencies - the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate - registered cases on the complaint by the bank and launched nationwide searches on dozens of offices and residences of the alleged fraudsters. The bank named Nirav Modi's brother, his American wife Ami, and uncle Mehul Choksi besides some others in the FIR.

In December this year, the Interpol issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi. The notice is a kind of international warrant through which the Interpol requests its member countries to catch fugutives wanted by the international police organisation. Nirav Modi has already been slapped with the RCN in July.

The CBI is also probing an additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore given to Choksi's companies.

At a hearing before a special court in Mumbai, his lawyer had said that the fugitive diamantaire cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched". His last known location is believed to be in the UK and India has approached the British government for his extradition.

Nirav Modi was a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous for years.

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement.

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement. The alleged kingpin of the largest banking scam in the country's history, Modi left the country along with his family in the first week of January, before the alleged scam became public. The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had, on February 14, informed the exchanges about detecting the fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai, and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects. Central government agencies - the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate - registered cases on the complaint by the bank and launched nationwide searches on dozens of offices and residences of the alleged fraudsters. The bank named Nirav Modi's brother, his American wife Ami, and uncle Mehul Choksi besides some others in the FIR. In December this year, the Interpol issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi. The notice is a kind of international warrant through which the Interpol requests its member countries to catch fugutives wanted by the international police organisation. Nirav Modi has already been slapped with the RCN in July. The CBI is also probing an additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore given to Choksi's companies. At a hearing before a special court in Mumbai, his lawyer had said that the fugitive diamantaire cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched". His last known location is believed to be in the UK and India has approached the British government for his extradition. Nirav Modi was a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous for years.

Nirav Modi: Fugitive diamantaire and India's most wanted

Interpol on Thursday issued Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rs-14000-crore-nirav-modi-scam-bygone-says-pnb-md-expecting-profitable-year-168944">Punjab National Bank (PNB) money-laundering case</a>, news agency ANI reported.

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Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi, on request of CBI <a href="https://t.co/JLaSC5MZu2">pic.twitter.com/JLaSC5MZu2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073090619680055301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An RCN&nbsp;issued by Interpol works as an international arrest warrant.&nbsp;The notice was issued on request of India's CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-not-fit-to-travel-counsel-to-court-177874">Mehul Choksi</a> who owns Gitanjali Gems is under investigation for his role in the PNB scam along with his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-accused-nirav-modi-scared-of-mob-lynching-on-return-to-india-180696">nephew Nirav Modi</a>. The CBI had earlier arrested the vice-president of Gitanjali group Vipul Chitalia.

Choksi had reportedly taken Antiguan citizenship last year and moved to the Caribbean country in July this year after leaving India. He had said in a statement that he had moved to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment program.

A similar Interpol notice was issued to Nirav Modi and his executive Mihir R Bhansali in September.

Punjab National Bank, the country'a second-largest state-run bank, said earlier in 2018 that two jewellery groups headed by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had defrauded it of about $2.2 billion by raising credit from overseas branches of other Indian banks using illegal guarantees issued by rogue PNB staff at a Mumbai branch over several years.

Interpol on Thursday issued Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) money-laundering case, news agency ANI reported.

Interpol on Thursday issued Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) money-laundering case, news agency ANI reported. Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi, on request of CBI pic.twitter.com/JLaSC5MZu2 — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × An RCN issued by Interpol works as an international arrest warrant. The notice was issued on request of India's CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). Mehul Choksi who owns Gitanjali Gems is under investigation for his role in the PNB scam along with his nephew Nirav Modi. The CBI had earlier arrested the vice-president of Gitanjali group Vipul Chitalia. Choksi had reportedly taken Antiguan citizenship last year and moved to the Caribbean country in July this year after leaving India. He had said in a statement that he had moved to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment program. A similar Interpol notice was issued to Nirav Modi and his executive Mihir R Bhansali in September. Punjab National Bank, the country'a second-largest state-run bank, said earlier in 2018 that two jewellery groups headed by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had defrauded it of about $2.2 billion by raising credit from overseas branches of other Indian banks using illegal guarantees issued by rogue PNB staff at a Mumbai branch over several years.

PNB bank case: Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Mehul Choksi

Interpol issues red corner notice against Mehul Choksi

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Central government stating that it has "already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi."

Kharge accused the government of not doing anything with the information they had on the offenders a year back, adding that the accused have now managed to flee the country.&nbsp;

"Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&amp;Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&amp;allowed them to escape. With govt &amp; Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&amp;ran away," he stated.&nbsp;

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Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&amp;Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&amp;allowed them to escape. With govt &amp; Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&amp;ran away. <a href="https://t.co/lqUHj11Mo5">pic.twitter.com/lqUHj11Mo5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069497511390339072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last month, the Lok Sabha MP from Karnataka criticised the Prime Minister noting that the PM wants to do to India <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wants-to-do-to-india-what-hitler-did-to-germany-congress-mallikarjun-kharge-175465">what dictator Adolf Hitler did to Germany</a>.&nbsp;

"The BJP is trying to bring dictatorship in the country. PM Modi wants to do to India what Adolf Hitler did to Germany. The Constitution is in danger and we need to fight the BJP's attempts to destroy it," he claimed.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Central government stating that it has "already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the Central government stating that it has "already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi." Kharge accused the government of not doing anything with the information they had on the offenders a year back, adding that the accused have now managed to flee the country. "Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&allowed them to escape. With govt & Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&ran away," he stated. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: Govt had already found a way to save people like Nirav Modi&Mehul Choksi. When they had information 1 year ago, they didn’t send any agency for probe&allowed them to escape. With govt & Modi ji’s blessings, they took money from banks&ran away. pic.twitter.com/lqUHj11Mo5 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × Last month, the Lok Sabha MP from Karnataka criticised the Prime Minister noting that the PM wants to do to India what dictator Adolf Hitler did to Germany. "The BJP is trying to bring dictatorship in the country. PM Modi wants to do to India what Adolf Hitler did to Germany. The Constitution is in danger and we need to fight the BJP's attempts to destroy it," he claimed.

Government has found way to save people like Nirav Modi, Choksi: Mallikarjun Kharge

Mehul Choksi's counsel told a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Mumbai on Saturday that his client was medically unfit to travel from Antigua to India to record his statement.

Sanjay Abbot, Choksi`s counsel, told the court, "Presently he is not medically fit to travel. So his statement can either be recorded through video conferencing or ED officers can go to Antigua and record his statement or wait for three months if his conditions improve, he will come back to record his statement."

The court was hearing the Enforcement Directorate`s application to declare Choksi as a `fugitive economic offender.`

On November 6 this year, Deepak Kulkarni, an associate of fugitive businessman Choksi, was arrested by the ED in Kolkata upon his arrival from Hong Kong.

Kulkarni was the director of Choksi`s dummy firm in Hong Kong. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED had earlier issued a lookout circular against him.

Earlier in September, Choksi had said that all allegations levelled against him by the ED were "false and baseless."

Calling himself a "soft target in a small country," Choksi had said that he was undergoing media trial in connection with the alleged US $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud scam.

Choksi also held the public sector bank PNB responsible for misinforming the probe agencies, adding that it was unprecedented how his company came to a complete standstill without thorough investigation.

Mehul Choksi's counsel told a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Mumbai on Saturday that his client was medically unfit to travel from Antigua to India to record his statement.

Mehul Choksi's counsel told a special Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Mumbai on Saturday that his client was medically unfit to travel from Antigua to India to record his statement. Sanjay Abbot, Choksi`s counsel, told the court, "Presently he is not medically fit to travel. So his statement can either be recorded through video conferencing or ED officers can go to Antigua and record his statement or wait for three months if his conditions improve, he will come back to record his statement." The court was hearing the Enforcement Directorate`s application to declare Choksi as a `fugitive economic offender.` On November 6 this year, Deepak Kulkarni, an associate of fugitive businessman Choksi, was arrested by the ED in Kolkata upon his arrival from Hong Kong. Kulkarni was the director of Choksi`s dummy firm in Hong Kong. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED had earlier issued a lookout circular against him. Earlier in September, Choksi had said that all allegations levelled against him by the ED were "false and baseless." Calling himself a "soft target in a small country," Choksi had said that he was undergoing media trial in connection with the alleged US $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud scam. Choksi also held the public sector bank PNB responsible for misinforming the probe agencies, adding that it was unprecedented how his company came to a complete standstill without thorough investigation.

Mehul Choksi medically unfit, can't travel from Antigua to India: Counsel to court

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said.

They added that Deepak Kulkarni was arrested&nbsp;from the Kolkata airport after he landed from Hong Kong.

Deepak Kulkarni was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and was expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday, the officials said, adding that the ED would seek his transit remand to take him to Mumbai, where the case was registered.

Kulkarni was linked to the overseas businesses of Mehul Choksi, one of the main accused in the case, and the ED had notified a Look-out Circular (LoC) against him, the officials said.

He was a director in a Hong Kong-based "dummy" firm linked to Choksi, an official said, adding that the ED had named him in a chargesheet filed against the fugitive jeweller earlier this year and a Mumbai court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Mehul Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year, following a complaint from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of some of its employees.

Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested an executive of a firm linked to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi on Monday in connection with its money-laundering probe in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, officials said. They added that Deepak Kulkarni was arrested from the Kolkata airport after he landed from Hong Kong. Deepak Kulkarni was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and was expected to be produced before a court on Tuesday, the officials said, adding that the ED would seek his transit remand to take him to Mumbai, where the case was registered. Kulkarni was linked to the overseas businesses of Mehul Choksi, one of the main accused in the case, and the ED had notified a Look-out Circular (LoC) against him, the officials said. He was a director in a Hong Kong-based "dummy" firm linked to Choksi, an official said, adding that the ED had named him in a chargesheet filed against the fugitive jeweller earlier this year and a Mumbai court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Mehul Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year, following a complaint from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs. 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of some of its employees. Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mehul Choksi's associate Deepak Kulkarni arrested in Kolkata over PNB fraud

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee".&nbsp;

Gandhi even tweeted the ICICI bank account number Jaitley's daughter is supposed to have received the money from. And he called for Jaitley to resign.&nbsp;

"Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file &amp; allowed him to flee," Gandhi tweeted. (He deliberately misspelled Jaitley's name as Jaitlie.) &nbsp;

"She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316," Gandhi added.&nbsp;

And he hashtagged his tweet "#ArunJaitlieMustResign".&nbsp;

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Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file &amp; allowed him to flee. 
 
She received money from ICICI&nbsp;a/c no: 12170500316 
 
It’s sad that media has blacked out this story. The people of India won’t. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunJaitlieMustResign?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunJaitlieMustResign</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1054343261425491968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Choksi is one of the prime accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, the country's largest bank scam.&nbsp;

Gandhi repeated his allegation at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

"You must have heard about Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who had stolen Rs 35,000 crore of the country. Choksi deposited lakhs of rupees in the bank account of FM Arun Jaitleys daughter," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying.&nbsp;

And he repeated it again at Raipur airport:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Raipur says, "Mehul Choksi deposited money in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter's bank account." <a href="https://t.co/6pXSxyDKzz">pic.twitter.com/6pXSxyDKzz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1054376901656145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PTI reported that at the rally in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also targeted Modi over the Rafale deal, saying the prime minister snatched a contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence which has never made an aeroplane.

Gandhi added that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece," he said.

Gandhi added that under the UPA agreement, Bengaluru-based HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) was to manufacture the fighter jets which would have ensured technology transfer and jobs to local youths.

"But Modi ji himself snatched the contract from HAL and allotted it to Anil Ambani's company which was newly-formed and had no experience in manufacturing aeroplanes. Ambani would not have even made a plane of paper," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Ambani has earlier rejected Gandhi's allegations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee". Gandhi even tweeted the ICICI bank account number Jaitley's daughter is supposed to have received the money from. And he called for Jaitley to resign. "Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file & allowed him to flee," Gandhi tweeted. (He deliberately misspelled Jaitley's name as Jaitlie.) "She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316," Gandhi added. And he hashtagged his tweet "#ArunJaitlieMustResign". Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file & allowed him to flee. She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316 It’s sad that media has blacked out this story. The people of India won’t. #ArunJaitlieMustResign — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 22, 2018 × Choksi is one of the prime accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, the country's largest bank scam. Gandhi repeated his allegation at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh. "You must have heard about Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who had stolen Rs 35,000 crore of the country. Choksi deposited lakhs of rupees in the bank account of FM Arun Jaitleys daughter," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying. And he repeated it again at Raipur airport: #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Raipur says, "Mehul Choksi deposited money in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter's bank account." pic.twitter.com/6pXSxyDKzz — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2018 × PTI reported that at the rally in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also targeted Modi over the Rafale deal, saying the prime minister snatched a contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence which has never made an aeroplane. Gandhi added that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece," he said. Gandhi added that under the UPA agreement, Bengaluru-based HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) was to manufacture the fighter jets which would have ensured technology transfer and jobs to local youths. "But Modi ji himself snatched the contract from HAL and allotted it to Anil Ambani's company which was newly-formed and had no experience in manufacturing aeroplanes. Ambani would not have even made a plane of paper," Gandhi said. Ambani has earlier rejected Gandhi's allegations. (With inputs from PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's 'payroll': Rahul Gandhi

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

Modi was declared an absconder under Section 82 of the code of criminal procedure in the case.

A case of diversion of diamonds and pearls from Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units in Surat by Modi was booked in December 2014, by the DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit.

The case was about the diversion of duty-free imported goods by the SEZ units of Nirav Modi's companies in Surat - Firestar International Pvt. Ltd., Firestar Diamond International Pvt. Ltd. and Radashir Jewellery Comp. Pvt. Ltd. These units were allegedly into import and export of diamonds, pearls and jewellery.

In the units situated at SEZ, the goods were allowed to be imported customs duty-free for the purpose of export.

However, during the investigation by the DRI, it was revealed that the duty-free diamonds and pearls imported by Modi's companies were clandestinely diverted into the local market and substituted by the locally procured diamonds and pearls.

The companies had allegedly paid Rs. 48.21 crores (customs duty along with interest and penalty) in that case.

During the investigation, the DRI had also seized the export consignments ready for dispatch for Hong Kong and Dubai, lying at Sahar Air Cargo in Mumbai, which was highly overvalued.

The department filed prosecution in the Surat Court against Modi for his alleged role in the evasion of customs duty.The Chief Judicial Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant against Modi on June 22.

As he was not available at his known addresses, the court proclaimed the fugitive jeweller as an absconder.

This will enable the DRI in addition to other things to attach his properties. On October 1, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth Rs 637 crore belonging to Modi in connection with the PNB scam.

Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi have been accused of allegedly defrauding PNB of $ 2 billion.

While Choksi is in Antigua, Modi is in the United Kingdom and needs to be extradited as non-bailable warrants have been issued by different courts against him.&nbsp;

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls. Modi was declared an absconder under Section 82 of the code of criminal procedure in the case. A case of diversion of diamonds and pearls from Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units in Surat by Modi was booked in December 2014, by the DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit. The case was about the diversion of duty-free imported goods by the SEZ units of Nirav Modi's companies in Surat - Firestar International Pvt. Ltd., Firestar Diamond International Pvt. Ltd. and Radashir Jewellery Comp. Pvt. Ltd. These units were allegedly into import and export of diamonds, pearls and jewellery. In the units situated at SEZ, the goods were allowed to be imported customs duty-free for the purpose of export. However, during the investigation by the DRI, it was revealed that the duty-free diamonds and pearls imported by Modi's companies were clandestinely diverted into the local market and substituted by the locally procured diamonds and pearls. The companies had allegedly paid Rs. 48.21 crores (customs duty along with interest and penalty) in that case. During the investigation, the DRI had also seized the export consignments ready for dispatch for Hong Kong and Dubai, lying at Sahar Air Cargo in Mumbai, which was highly overvalued. The department filed prosecution in the Surat Court against Modi for his alleged role in the evasion of customs duty.The Chief Judicial Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant against Modi on June 22. As he was not available at his known addresses, the court proclaimed the fugitive jeweller as an absconder. This will enable the DRI in addition to other things to attach his properties. On October 1, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth Rs 637 crore belonging to Modi in connection with the PNB scam. Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi have been accused of allegedly defrauding PNB of $ 2 billion. While Choksi is in Antigua, Modi is in the United Kingdom and needs to be extradited as non-bailable warrants have been issued by different courts against him.

Nirav Modi declared absconder in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Kumar stated that a meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua &amp; Barbuda with External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj.

"He personally wanted to tell the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi," he noted.&nbsp;

He added that Swaraj had requested the Antiguan Foreign Minister "that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is." The counterpart replied that they're trying their best, "he said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM and the government before the EAM," MEA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

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EAM had requested him that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is. Her counterpart replied that they're trying their best, he said there are some legal angles&amp;court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM&amp;govt before EAM: Raveesh Kumar,MEA <a href="https://t.co/1MsRRdbPgu">pic.twitter.com/1MsRRdbPgu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045103654620090370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Antiguan Foreign Minister refused to comment when asked by the media if he will "help India in extraditing Mehul Choksi."

EP Chet Greene claimed, "speak to your Foreign Minister," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Absconding jeweller <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-cries-political-conspiracy-says-govt-under-extraordinary-pressure-ahead-of-polls-165180">Mehul Choksi has claimed that</a> the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> New York: Foreign Minister of Antigua &amp; Barbuda EP Chet Greene says 'Speak to your Foreign Minister' when asked 'Will you help India in extraditing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>?' <a href="https://t.co/TntbYBEDHh">pic.twitter.com/TntbYBEDHh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045125444679286784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank.

Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included.

The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now.

The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported. Kumar stated that a meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "He personally wanted to tell the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi," he noted. He added that Swaraj had requested the Antiguan Foreign Minister "that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is." The counterpart replied that they're trying their best, "he said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM and the government before the EAM," MEA spokesperson said. EAM had requested him that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is. Her counterpart replied that they're trying their best, he said there are some legal angles&court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM&govt before EAM: Raveesh Kumar,MEA pic.twitter.com/1MsRRdbPgu — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Antiguan Foreign Minister refused to comment when asked by the media if he will "help India in extraditing Mehul Choksi." EP Chet Greene claimed, "speak to your Foreign Minister," news agency ANI reported. Absconding jeweller Mehul Choksi has claimed that the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections. #WATCH New York: Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda EP Chet Greene says 'Speak to your Foreign Minister' when asked 'Will you help India in extraditing #MehulChoksi?' pic.twitter.com/TntbYBEDHh — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank. Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included. The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now. The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Antiguan PM, govt committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs

Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a co-accused in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, on Friday moved the special CBI court here for cancellation of a non-bailable warrant against him claiming he has reasons to believe that his return to India might endanger his life.

On May 22 this year, after taking cognisance of the second charge sheet filed in the Rs 12,636-crore PNB fraud case by the CBI, the special court had issued the NBW against Choksi.

Choksi, in an application filed Friday through his lawyer Sanjay Abbott, said his apprehensions over his safety are based upon what transpired during a recent television debate on the fraud.

He told the court that he was "shocked" to watch a debate on a national television news channel where two callers phoned in to share their opinion on the fraud.

The callers, Choksi claimed in the plea, "suggested that a special team be formed to track Mehul Choksi down and shoot him to death once he was brought back to India".

Choksi claimed that the callers said that such treatment would send out a strong message to society and prevent further cases of frauds and fiscal scams.

The fugitive jeweller also claimed that the news anchor concerned and the panelists did not object to the comments made by the caller. Instead, the anchor even laughed at the comments and the same makes it apparent that the anchor and the panelists too "tacitly" agreed with what the callers suggested, Choksi said in the plea.

"From the above two calls made by the callers and the tacit approval given to the same by the news anchor and the panelists, it is clear that the averments made by the applicant (Choksi) in the application filed before this court regarding a threat to his life and the fear of mob lynching are vindicated," the application read.

Choksi also sent some audio and video CDs claiming that they contained the cited footage from the news channel debate.

He has urged the court to make his submission a part of the court records and, in light of the same, to cancel the NBW issued against him.

The special court has now directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to file its reply to the application by October 3 this year, which is the next date of hearing in the case.

This is the second such application filed by Choksi before the special court, claiming a threat to his life and seeking that the NBW be cancelled.

Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a co-accused in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, on Friday moved the special CBI court here for cancellation of a non-bailable warrant against him claiming he has reasons to believe that his return to India might endanger his life.

Fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, a co-accused in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, on Friday moved the special CBI court here for cancellation of a non-bailable warrant against him claiming he has reasons to believe that his return to India might endanger his life. On May 22 this year, after taking cognisance of the second charge sheet filed in the Rs 12,636-crore PNB fraud case by the CBI, the special court had issued the NBW against Choksi. Choksi, in an application filed Friday through his lawyer Sanjay Abbott, said his apprehensions over his safety are based upon what transpired during a recent television debate on the fraud. He told the court that he was "shocked" to watch a debate on a national television news channel where two callers phoned in to share their opinion on the fraud. The callers, Choksi claimed in the plea, "suggested that a special team be formed to track Mehul Choksi down and shoot him to death once he was brought back to India". Choksi claimed that the callers said that such treatment would send out a strong message to society and prevent further cases of frauds and fiscal scams. The fugitive jeweller also claimed that the news anchor concerned and the panelists did not object to the comments made by the caller. Instead, the anchor even laughed at the comments and the same makes it apparent that the anchor and the panelists too "tacitly" agreed with what the callers suggested, Choksi said in the plea. "From the above two calls made by the callers and the tacit approval given to the same by the news anchor and the panelists, it is clear that the averments made by the applicant (Choksi) in the application filed before this court regarding a threat to his life and the fear of mob lynching are vindicated," the application read. Choksi also sent some audio and video CDs claiming that they contained the cited footage from the news channel debate. He has urged the court to make his submission a part of the court records and, in light of the same, to cancel the NBW issued against him. The special court has now directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to file its reply to the application by October 3 this year, which is the next date of hearing in the case. This is the second such application filed by Choksi before the special court, claiming a threat to his life and seeking that the NBW be cancelled.

PNB fraud: Mehul Choksi cites TV debate phone-in in plea to get NBW cancelled

India's premier investigating agency the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has requested the Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal Modi and his company executive Suresh Shankar.

CBI sources said the&nbsp;UK has shared certain details of movement of fugitives, including Nirav Modi with the agency.&nbsp;

Diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had fled India few days before a massive banking fraud was unearthed at the Punjab National Bank(PNB) amounting to $2 billion. Several reports had claimed that Nirav Modi was in the UK where he had claimed political asylum. Britain's home office had however refused to divulge any details.

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) had earlier filed a chargesheet against Nirav Modi and his associates at a special court in Mumbai. The charge sheet has been filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

The ED had summoned Nirav's family for questioning on a number of occasions but did not get any reply.&nbsp;

The CBI is still trying to confirm Nirav Modi's whereabouts before moving against him. 
&nbsp;

The ED had earlier filed a chargesheet against Nirav Modi and his associates at a special court in Mumbai

India's premier investigating agency the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has requested the Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal Modi and his company executive Suresh Shankar. CBI sources said the UK has shared certain details of movement of fugitives, including Nirav Modi with the agency. Diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had fled India few days before a massive banking fraud was unearthed at the Punjab National Bank(PNB) amounting to $2 billion. Several reports had claimed that Nirav Modi was in the UK where he had claimed political asylum. Britain's home office had however refused to divulge any details. The Enforcement Directorate(ED) had earlier filed a chargesheet against Nirav Modi and his associates at a special court in Mumbai. The charge sheet has been filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED had summoned Nirav's family for questioning on a number of occasions but did not get any reply. The CBI is still trying to confirm Nirav Modi's whereabouts before moving against him.

CBI requests Interpol for Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal

According to reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation has requested Interpol to issue red corner notices against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. At present, the CBI does not have any confirmation on the whereabouts of Nirav Modi, ANI reported.

As per reports, the CBI will take further action as soon as Nirav Modi's whereabouts are confirmed.

Nirav Modi, the billionaire jeweller at the heart of a more than $2 billion fraud case, has fled to the UK, where he is claiming political asylum.

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CBI has requested Interpol to issue red corner notices against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/u8MF23kxFi">pic.twitter.com/u8MF23kxFi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006142971870236672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to Reuters, Britain's Home Office said it does not provide information on individual cases.

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CBI does not have confirmation on the whereabouts of Nirav Modi yet. The moment his whereabouts are confirmed further action will be taken. Red corner notice (RCN) in process against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi: CBI Sources <a href="https://t.co/wBjXTrDDEO">pic.twitter.com/wBjXTrDDEO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006135988727439362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Punjab National Bank, the country'a second-largest state-run bank, said earlier in 2018 that two jewellery groups headed by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had defrauded it of about $2.2 billion by raising credit from overseas branches of other Indian banks using illegal guarantees issued by rogue PNB staff at a Mumbai branch over several years.

Nirav Modi, the billionaire jeweller at the heart of a more than $2 billion fraud case, has fled to the UK, where he is claiming political asylum

According to reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation has requested Interpol to issue red corner notices against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. At present, the CBI does not have any confirmation on the whereabouts of Nirav Modi, ANI reported. As per reports, the CBI will take further action as soon as Nirav Modi's whereabouts are confirmed. Nirav Modi, the billionaire jeweller at the heart of a more than $2 billion fraud case, has fled to the UK, where he is claiming political asylum. CBI has requested Interpol to issue red corner notices against #NiravModi and #MehulChoksi. pic.twitter.com/u8MF23kxFi — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 × According to Reuters, Britain's Home Office said it does not provide information on individual cases. CBI does not have confirmation on the whereabouts of Nirav Modi yet. The moment his whereabouts are confirmed further action will be taken. Red corner notice (RCN) in process against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi: CBI Sources pic.twitter.com/wBjXTrDDEO — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2018 × Punjab National Bank, the country'a second-largest state-run bank, said earlier in 2018 that two jewellery groups headed by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had defrauded it of about $2.2 billion by raising credit from overseas branches of other Indian banks using illegal guarantees issued by rogue PNB staff at a Mumbai branch over several years.

CBI requests Interpol to issue red corner notices against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi

The government has left no stone unturned in convincing a UK court that fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya must be extradited to India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

"Extradition hearings have been going on. I understand that the closing submissions in the case have already been made. We now wait for the verdict. I can only assure you that we have left no stone unturned in our efforts to convince the courts that the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India should take place," Kumar told reporters in response to a question.

In February 2017, India made a formal request to the UK for extradition of Mallya, who faces charges of financial misconduct amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore in debt owed to Indian banks by his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

When asked about the location of fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who allegedly duped Punjab National Bank to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees, he said the MEA will not be able to provide their location details as it comes into picture only when the agencies concerned inform it about their whereabouts.

Responding to a question on whether the issue of the extradition of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from Malaysia came up for discussion during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad, Kumar said the interaction between the two leaders was very short.

The meeting happened on May 31 during Modi's visit enroute Singapore and the talks covered a broad overview about the relationship between the two countries.

Modi made a brief stopover in Malaysia to meet the nonagenarian leader, who won polls after trumping Najib Razak, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Kumar added India had sent a request to Malaysia to extradite Naik and it was waiting for a response.

On the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, Kumar said, " India welcomes the proposed meeting and supports the peaceful resolution to the Korean Peninsula problem."

'Extradition hearings have been going on. I understand that the closing submissions in the case have already been made. We now wait for the verdict. I can only assure you that we have left no stone unturned in our efforts to convince the courts that the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India should take place'

The government has left no stone unturned in convincing a UK court that fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya must be extradited to India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday. "Extradition hearings have been going on. I understand that the closing submissions in the case have already been made. We now wait for the verdict. I can only assure you that we have left no stone unturned in our efforts to convince the courts that the extradition of Vijay Mallya to India should take place," Kumar told reporters in response to a question. In February 2017, India made a formal request to the UK for extradition of Mallya, who faces charges of financial misconduct amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crore in debt owed to Indian banks by his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. When asked about the location of fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who allegedly duped Punjab National Bank to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees, he said the MEA will not be able to provide their location details as it comes into picture only when the agencies concerned inform it about their whereabouts. Responding to a question on whether the issue of the extradition of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from Malaysia came up for discussion during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad, Kumar said the interaction between the two leaders was very short. The meeting happened on May 31 during Modi's visit enroute Singapore and the talks covered a broad overview about the relationship between the two countries. Modi made a brief stopover in Malaysia to meet the nonagenarian leader, who won polls after trumping Najib Razak, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia. Kumar added India had sent a request to Malaysia to extradite Naik and it was waiting for a response. On the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, Kumar said, " India welcomes the proposed meeting and supports the peaceful resolution to the Korean Peninsula problem."

Govt has left no stone unturned in convincing UK court that Mallya should be extradited: MEA

The Income Tax department on Sunday refuted reports which stated that the documents related to the investigation of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi were ruined in the Scindia House fire.&nbsp;

"News reports appearing in some sections of media alleging that records/documents relating to investigation of Nirav Modi/Mehul Choksi have been destroyed in the Scindia House fire in IT Office, Mumbai are completely false & misdirected," they tweeted on Sunday.&nbsp;

Earlier, media reports quoted sources in the Income Tax department saying the files pertaining to Modi and Choksi, along with some documents relating to the Essar group, were also in the office premises during the fire.

The lost files pertained to cases that were either being investigated for fraud or were part of bankruptcy proceedings.

The fire broke out in the Income Tax office in South Mumbai on Friday, but no casualties were reported

The blaze started on the third floor of the I-T office located in multi-storeyed Scindia House.

No injuries were reported, but one person trapped on the second floor of the commercial building was rescued by firefighters.&nbsp;

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News reports appearing in some sections of media alleging that records/documents relating to investigation of Nirav Modi/Mehul Choksi have been destroyed in the Scindia House fire in ITOffice,Mumbai are completely false & misdirected <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FinMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FinMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arunjaitley</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adhia03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adhia03</a>
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Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year following a complaint by Punjab National Bank, India's second largest public sector bank, that they allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of over Rs 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

Both Nirav Modi and Choksi are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.&nbsp;

The fire broke out in the Income Tax office in South Mumbai on Friday. News reports had said the Modi, Choksi files had been in the office's premises at the time

The Income Tax department on Sunday refuted reports which stated that the documents related to the investigation of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi were ruined in the Scindia House fire. "News reports appearing in some sections of media alleging that records/documents relating to investigation of Nirav Modi/Mehul Choksi have been destroyed in the Scindia House fire in IT Office, Mumbai are completely false & misdirected," they tweeted on Sunday. Earlier, media reports quoted sources in the Income Tax department saying the files pertaining to Modi and Choksi, along with some documents relating to the Essar group, were also in the office premises during the fire. The lost files pertained to cases that were either being investigated for fraud or were part of bankruptcy proceedings. The fire broke out in the Income Tax office in South Mumbai on Friday, but no casualties were reported The blaze started on the third floor of the I-T office located in multi-storeyed Scindia House. No injuries were reported, but one person trapped on the second floor of the commercial building was rescued by firefighters. News reports appearing in some sections of media alleging that records/documents relating to investigation of Nirav Modi/Mehul Choksi have been destroyed in the Scindia House fire in ITOffice,Mumbai are completely false & misdirected @PMOIndia @FinMinIndia @arunjaitley @adhia03 — Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) June 3, 2018 × Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year following a complaint by Punjab National Bank, India's second largest public sector bank, that they allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of over Rs 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. Both Nirav Modi and Choksi are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

Income Tax department says Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi files not destroyed in Mumbai fire

Former MD and CEO of the Punjab National Bank Usha Ananthasubramanian and some other senior bank officials were aware of the "fraudulent" dealings with diamond merchant Nirav Modi but kept "misleading" the RBI, the CBI has alleged in its charge sheet.

A special CBI court here took cognisance of the chargesheet today and permitted the investigating agency to issue fresh non-bailable warrants against Nirav Modi, his brother Nishal and an executive of the Nirav Modi Group Subhash Parab.

In its charge sheet into the nearly 13,000 crore scam, the CBI said the RBI had since October 2016 sent several questionnaires to the PNB, seeking to know what procedures or measures the bank follows before issuing Letters of Understandings and Letters of Credit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-how-punjab-national-bank-fell-victim-to-countrys-biggest-bank-fraud-33009">How Punjab National Bank fell victim to country's biggest bank fraud</a>

"This was duly dealt by accused Ananthasubramanian and the bank's Executive Directors - K V Brahmaji Rao, Sanjiv Sharan and Nehal Ahad and instead of replying to the queries in true spirit and facts, Ahad and the general manager of the International Banking Division of the bank's headquarters prepared a misleading reply and sent it to the RBI after getting the same approved from Sharan," the CBI said.

The 12,000-page chargesheet further claimed that a similar fraud was detected in 2016 following which the RBI took up the issue and issued circulars to all banks.

"The accused PNB officials, including Ananthasubramanian and others, were aware of this fraud involving PNB Dubai and the Indian Overseas Bank Chandigarh and yet they did not take any corrective action and remained silent spectators. This facilitated continuance of the fraud resulting in wrongful loss to the PNB," it said.

From August 2015 to May 2017, when Ananthasubramanian was the MD and CEO of the PNB, relevant circulars, caution notices and urgent questionnaires issued by the RBI were brought to her notice and she dealt with the same, the CBI said.

"Inspite of her knowledge about the modus operandi in these frauds, she (Ananthasubramanian) did not take any meaningful corrective measures in her capacity as the executive head of the bank and had unauthorisedly delegated the RBI guidelines work to her subordinates without any follow up action," the chargesheet said.

The CBI has further claimed that senior officers from the Nirav Modi Group including accused Vipul Ambani were constantly meeting Ananthasubramanian in order to continue 
with the credit facilities to the group.

"This indicated clearly that she (Ananthasubramanian) was aware of the facilities extended to the various group entities of Modi," it said.

The CBI has made the allegation in its charge sheet. It added that other than the MD and CEO Usha Ananthasubramanian, other senior officials of the bank were also in the know

Former MD and CEO of the Punjab National Bank Usha Ananthasubramanian and some other senior bank officials were aware of the "fraudulent" dealings with diamond merchant Nirav Modi but kept "misleading" the RBI, the CBI has alleged in its charge sheet. A special CBI court here took cognisance of the chargesheet today and permitted the investigating agency to issue fresh non-bailable warrants against Nirav Modi, his brother Nishal and an executive of the Nirav Modi Group Subhash Parab. In its charge sheet into the nearly 13,000 crore scam, the CBI said the RBI had since October 2016 sent several questionnaires to the PNB, seeking to know what procedures or measures the bank follows before issuing Letters of Understandings and Letters of Credit. Also read: How Punjab National Bank fell victim to country's biggest bank fraud "This was duly dealt by accused Ananthasubramanian and the bank's Executive Directors - K V Brahmaji Rao, Sanjiv Sharan and Nehal Ahad and instead of replying to the queries in true spirit and facts, Ahad and the general manager of the International Banking Division of the bank's headquarters prepared a misleading reply and sent it to the RBI after getting the same approved from Sharan," the CBI said. The 12,000-page chargesheet further claimed that a similar fraud was detected in 2016 following which the RBI took up the issue and issued circulars to all banks. "The accused PNB officials, including Ananthasubramanian and others, were aware of this fraud involving PNB Dubai and the Indian Overseas Bank Chandigarh and yet they did not take any corrective action and remained silent spectators. This facilitated continuance of the fraud resulting in wrongful loss to the PNB," it said. From August 2015 to May 2017, when Ananthasubramanian was the MD and CEO of the PNB, relevant circulars, caution notices and urgent questionnaires issued by the RBI were brought to her notice and she dealt with the same, the CBI said. "Inspite of her knowledge about the modus operandi in these frauds, she (Ananthasubramanian) did not take any meaningful corrective measures in her capacity as the executive head of the bank and had unauthorisedly delegated the RBI guidelines work to her subordinates without any follow up action," the chargesheet said. The CBI has further claimed that senior officers from the Nirav Modi Group including accused Vipul Ambani were constantly meeting Ananthasubramanian in order to continue with the credit facilities to the group. "This indicated clearly that she (Ananthasubramanian) was aware of the facilities extended to the various group entities of Modi," it said.

Former PNB MD knew of Nirav Modi scam but 'kept misleading' RBI, says CBI

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-sterlite-protests-in-tuticorin-one-killed-several-injured-in-clashes-with-police-138862">Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin turn violent as death toll rises to 9</a>

At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-may-head-for-london-mehul-choksi-in-new-york-ed-sources-138855">Nirav Modi may head for London, Mehul Choksi in New York: ED sources</a>

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London. The sources added that Modi has property in London.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-heatwave-warning-in-delhi-for-next-five-days-138892">IMD issues heatwave warning in Delhi for next five days</a>

After recording highest temperature of the season in the national capital, a heatwave warning has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday for the next five days.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tanks-and-missiles-alone-cant-save-a-country-pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-138851">Tanks and missiles alone can't save a country: Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal</a>

Pakistan has squandered the economic growth opportunity in the past because of political instability, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said, asserting that "tanks and missiles" alone cannot save a country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-people-dead-including-the-attacker-in-a-minibus-explosion-30-wounded-138864">Afghanistan: 6 people dead including attacker in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-people-dead-including-the-attacker-in-a-minibus-explosion-30-wounded-138864">minibus</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-people-dead-including-the-attacker-in-a-minibus-explosion-30-wounded-138864"> explosion</a>

At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident.

&nbsp

Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin turn violent as death toll rises to 9 At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Nirav Modi may head for London, Mehul Choksi in New York: ED sources Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London. The sources added that Modi has property in London. IMD issues heatwave warning in Delhi for next five days After recording highest temperature of the season in the national capital, a heatwave warning has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday for the next five days. Tanks and missiles alone can't save a country: Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal Pakistan has squandered the economic growth opportunity in the past because of political instability, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said, asserting that "tanks and missiles" alone cannot save a country. Afghanistan: 6 people dead including attacker in minibus explosion At least six people were killed in Afghanistan's Kandahar on Tuesday after a bomb kept in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint. The attacker too died in the incident.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London.&nbspThe sources added that Modi has property in London.

The sources said Mehul Choksi has applied for asylum in America. And that he is currently living in New York's Bronx area.&nbsp

The sources added that Choksi had applied for asylum on May 3.&nbsp

Modi and his maternal uncle Choksi are the main accused in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam.&nbsp

Nirav Modi, according to news reports, has of late been spotted in New York, as well as in Dubai, Belgium and Hong Kong.&nbsp&nbsp

The sources added that Mehul Choksi has applied for asylum in America. And that he is currently living in New York's Bronx area

Sources in the Enforcement Directorate have said Nirav Modi may, on the advice of his lawyer, head for London.&nbspThe sources added that Modi has property in London. The sources said Mehul Choksi has applied for asylum in America. And that he is currently living in New York's Bronx area. The sources added that Choksi had applied for asylum on May 3. Modi and his maternal uncle Choksi are the main accused in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam. Nirav Modi, according to news reports, has of late been spotted in New York, as well as in Dubai, Belgium and Hong Kong.

Nirav Modi may head for London, Mehul Choksi in New York: ED sources

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday&nbspsummoned Nirav Modi's family for questioning in the PNB scam worth over $2 billion.&nbsp

The ED called the family for questioning after Nirav Modi's repeated failures in appearing before the&nbspcourt despite several summonses.&nbsp

The Enforcement Directorate has sent summons to his father Deepak Modi, brother Nishal Modi, sister Purvi Modi her husband Mayank Mehta and Mihir Bhansali, the&nbspDirector of US-based firm Firestar Diamond Inc.&nbsp

According to a media report, the summonses have been sent through emails as the family members of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi are not in India.

The ED had earlier sent a summon to the billionaire jeweller&nbspMehul Choksi, however, he did not appear before them.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had filed its first charge sheet in&nbspthe PNB Scam on May 14 in a special court in Mumbai.&nbsp

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ED summons Nirav Modi’s family for questioning after he failed to appear before it despite repeated summons. Summons sent to his father Deepak Modi, brother Nishal Modi, sister Purvi Mehta, her husband Mayank Mehta&Mihir Bhansali, director of US-based firm Firestar Diamond Inc.
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&nbsp

The ED called the family for questioning after Nirav Modi's repeated failures in appearing before the court despite several summonses

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday&nbspsummoned Nirav Modi's family for questioning in the PNB scam worth over $2 billion. The ED called the family for questioning after Nirav Modi's repeated failures in appearing before the&nbspcourt despite several summonses. The Enforcement Directorate has sent summons to his father Deepak Modi, brother Nishal Modi, sister Purvi Modi her husband Mayank Mehta and Mihir Bhansali, the&nbspDirector of US-based firm Firestar Diamond Inc. According to a media report, the summonses have been sent through emails as the family members of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi are not in India. The ED had earlier sent a summon to the billionaire jeweller&nbspMehul Choksi, however, he did not appear before them. The Central Bureau of Investigation had filed its first charge sheet in&nbspthe PNB Scam on May 14 in a special court in Mumbai. ED summons Nirav Modi’s family for questioning after he failed to appear before it despite repeated summons. Summons sent to his father Deepak Modi, brother Nishal Modi, sister Purvi Mehta, her husband Mayank Mehta&Mihir Bhansali, director of US-based firm Firestar Diamond Inc. — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2018 ×

ED summons Nirav Modi's family for questioning in PNB Scam

The CBI today filed its chargesheet against billionaire jeweller Mehul Choksi and 17 other entities, including companies owned by him and other individuals, in connection with the over $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, officials said. 
The chargesheet was filed before a special CBI court in Mumbai.

In the chargesheet, pertaining to an FIR against Choksi, the Gitanjali group of companies and 16 other entities (including companies and individuals), the agency has slapped charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the officials said.

They added that this was a separate chargesheet from the one filed on May 14 against Choksi's nephew Nirav Modi and stressed that the present chargesheet pertained to the FIR against Choksi.

Supplementary chargesheets against Modi will also be filed soon, they said.

The FIR was lodged on the basis of a complaint from the PNB, dated February 13.

According to it, the alleged loss to the bank was over Rs 4,886 crore, arising out of 143 Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and 224 Foreign Letters of Credit issued to the companies of Choksi, the officials said, adding that the total loss, allegedly perpetrated by the jeweller and his nephew Modi -- both absconding -- was over $2 billion.

It is alleged that the accused PNB officials, in a conspiracy with private persons, had sent the unauthorised LoUs and Foreign Letters of Credit to overseas branches of Indian banks for release of funds to the accused companies' suppliers or to clear the liabilities of the accused companies.

The accused PNB officials allegedly did not enter the instructions for these LoUs in their internal software to avoid scrutiny. They were sent through an international messaging system for banking called SWIFT, used to pass instructions among banks globally to transfer funds.

An LoU is a guarantee given by an issuing bank to Indian banks that have branches abroad to grant short-term credit to an applicant.

In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to the credit-giving bank.&nbsp

The FIR was lodged on the basis 0f a complaint from the PNB, dated February 13.

The CBI today filed its chargesheet against billionaire jeweller Mehul Choksi and 17 other entities, including companies owned by him and other individuals, in connection with the over $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, officials said. The chargesheet was filed before a special CBI court in Mumbai. In the chargesheet, pertaining to an FIR against Choksi, the Gitanjali group of companies and 16 other entities (including companies and individuals), the agency has slapped charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the officials said. They added that this was a separate chargesheet from the one filed on May 14 against Choksi's nephew Nirav Modi and stressed that the present chargesheet pertained to the FIR against Choksi. Supplementary chargesheets against Modi will also be filed soon, they said. The FIR was lodged on the basis of a complaint from the PNB, dated February 13. According to it, the alleged loss to the bank was over Rs 4,886 crore, arising out of 143 Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and 224 Foreign Letters of Credit issued to the companies of Choksi, the officials said, adding that the total loss, allegedly perpetrated by the jeweller and his nephew Modi -- both absconding -- was over $2 billion. It is alleged that the accused PNB officials, in a conspiracy with private persons, had sent the unauthorised LoUs and Foreign Letters of Credit to overseas branches of Indian banks for release of funds to the accused companies' suppliers or to clear the liabilities of the accused companies. The accused PNB officials allegedly did not enter the instructions for these LoUs in their internal software to avoid scrutiny. They were sent through an international messaging system for banking called SWIFT, used to pass instructions among banks globally to transfer funds. An LoU is a guarantee given by an issuing bank to Indian banks that have branches abroad to grant short-term credit to an applicant. In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to the credit-giving bank.

PNB scam: CBI files chargesheet against Choksi, 17 others

In response to WION's query on Nirav Modi's whereabouts, Hong Kong's Department of Justice said, 'the Department of Justice does not comment on individual cases.'

WION had raised a query to Hong Kong's justice department regarding Nirav Modi's extradition which was met with a reply that no comments will be made on individual cases.&nbsp;

China, earlier this month, said Hong Kong was free to accept India's request to arrest Modi on the basis of the local laws of the region and judicial agreements between the two.&nbsp;

While Hong Kong is part of the People's Republic of China, it is an autonomous region with its own laws.&nbsp;

A provisional arrest has to be made before a formal extradition can be requested.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Nirav Modi's presence in Hong Kong has been confirmed. In a written reply to the Parliament, it was stated that India had approached the Hong Kong authorities on March 23 regarding Nirav Modi's provisional arrest.

Besides this, the Punjab National Bank has approached Hong Kong Court against Nirav Modi after moving the insolvency authority in the US.&nbsp;

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Hong Kong's Department of Justice in a response to ANI about Nirav Modi's whereabouts said, 'the Department of Justice does not comment on individual cases.'
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The bank plans to approach other jurisdictions where Nirav Modi and his associates have assets and properties as part of recovery process, a senior PNB official said.&nbsp;

Hong Kong authorities have been approached and a recovery writ has been filed against companies of Nirav Modi, the official said without disclosing other details.&nbsp;

Billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi figures at the centre of an Rs 13,000-crore fraud.&nbsp;

Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, in connivance with certain bank officials, allegedly cheated PNB of over Rs13,000 crore through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs).&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

China, earlier this month, said Hong Kong was free to accept India's request to arrest Modi on the basis of the local laws of the region

In response to WION's query on Nirav Modi's whereabouts, Hong Kong's Department of Justice said, 'the Department of Justice does not comment on individual cases.' WION had raised a query to Hong Kong's justice department regarding Nirav Modi's extradition which was met with a reply that no comments will be made on individual cases. China, earlier this month, said Hong Kong was free to accept India's request to arrest Modi on the basis of the local laws of the region and judicial agreements between the two. While Hong Kong is part of the People's Republic of China, it is an autonomous region with its own laws. A provisional arrest has to be made before a formal extradition can be requested. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi's presence in Hong Kong has been confirmed. In a written reply to the Parliament, it was stated that India had approached the Hong Kong authorities on March 23 regarding Nirav Modi's provisional arrest. Besides this, the Punjab National Bank has approached Hong Kong Court against Nirav Modi after moving the insolvency authority in the US. Hong Kong's Department of Justice in a response to ANI about Nirav Modi's whereabouts said, 'the Department of Justice does not comment on individual cases.' — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2018 × The bank plans to approach other jurisdictions where Nirav Modi and his associates have assets and properties as part of recovery process, a senior PNB official said. Hong Kong authorities have been approached and a recovery writ has been filed against companies of Nirav Modi, the official said without disclosing other details. Billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi figures at the centre of an Rs 13,000-crore fraud. Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, in connivance with certain bank officials, allegedly cheated PNB of over Rs13,000 crore through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). (With inputs from PTI)

Watch: Hong Kong refuses to comment on Nirav Modi's whereabouts

Punjab National Bank on Saturday moved Hong Kong High Court against Nirav Modi, news agency ANI reports.&nbsp;

PNB will also approach the courts of other countries where Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have assets and businesses, reports said.

On March 23, the government had asked authorities in Hong Kong to arrest Nirav Modi suggesting it believes the fugitive is in the Chinese territory.&nbsp;

India's Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told parliament last week that "the ministry has sought the provisional arrest of Nirav Deepak Modi by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the People's Republic of China."

Regarding India's request, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on April 9 had told a media briefing here that "according to the one country two systems and basic law of the HKSAR, under the assistance and authorisation of the central government, the HKSAR can make proper arrangement on judicial mutual assistance with other countries," he said.

"If India makes relevant request to the HKSAR, we believe the HKSAR will follow the basic law and relevant laws and under relevant judicial agreements with India with the relevant issue," he said.

Billionaire Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after the scam recently came to light following a complaint by the PNB that they had allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs

11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The ED has registered the money laundering case against Nirav Modi, his firms and others on the basis of a CBI FIR.

The CBI and the ED have registered FIRs to probe the case and intensified the crackdown on Nirav Modi and Choksi with the ED seizing jewellery and assets worth thousands of crores of rupees, the I-T department attaching various properties, and the CBI grilling several senior executives of his company.

PNB will also approach the courts of other countries where Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have assets and businesses, reports said.

Punjab National Bank on Saturday moved Hong Kong High Court against Nirav Modi, news agency ANI reports. PNB will also approach the courts of other countries where Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have assets and businesses, reports said. On March 23, the government had asked authorities in Hong Kong to arrest Nirav Modi suggesting it believes the fugitive is in the Chinese territory. India's Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told parliament last week that "the ministry has sought the provisional arrest of Nirav Deepak Modi by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the People's Republic of China." Regarding India's request, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on April 9 had told a media briefing here that "according to the one country two systems and basic law of the HKSAR, under the assistance and authorisation of the central government, the HKSAR can make proper arrangement on judicial mutual assistance with other countries," he said. "If India makes relevant request to the HKSAR, we believe the HKSAR will follow the basic law and relevant laws and under relevant judicial agreements with India with the relevant issue," he said. Billionaire Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after the scam recently came to light following a complaint by the PNB that they had allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. The ED has registered the money laundering case against Nirav Modi, his firms and others on the basis of a CBI FIR. The CBI and the ED have registered FIRs to probe the case and intensified the crackdown on Nirav Modi and Choksi with the ED seizing jewellery and assets worth thousands of crores of rupees, the I-T department attaching various properties, and the CBI grilling several senior executives of his company.

PNB moves Hong Kong High Court against Nirav Modi

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-non-bailable-warrants-issued-against-nirav-modi-mehul-choksi-on-cbi-plea-129156">PNB scam: Non-bailable warrants issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi on CBI plea</a>

A special CBI court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against billionaire diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi in connection with the cases related to over $2 billion banking fraud in the Punjab National Bank, officials said in New Delhi on Sunday.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-wants-chennai-players-to-wear-black-armbands-this-is-why-129122">Rajinikanth wants Chennai players to wear black armbands. This is why</a>

Rajinikanth on Sunday urged IPL franchise Chennai and its fans to wear a black armband as a show of solidarity with the protests in Tamil Nadu calling for the quick set up of a Cauvery management board.&nbsp&nbsp

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/china-objects-to-indias-transgression-in-arunachal-pradesh-india-rejects-the-protest-129126">China objects to India's 'transgression' in Arunachal Pradesh India rejects the protest</a>

In yet another incident of discord, the Chinese military last month strongly protested against what it called the Indian Army's transgressions into the strategically sensitive Asaphila area along the border in Arunachal Pradesh, but the Indian side roundly dismissed the complaint, official sources said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125">Worst behind </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125">us,</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125"> will be out of Nirav Modi mess in 6 months: PNB MD</a>

The worst is over for PNB and it will come out of the mess created by the Nirav Modi fraud case in six months, the state-run lender's Managing Director Sunil Mehta said Sunday.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-to-act-against-fugitives-irreconcilable-militants-129127">Pakistan, Afghanistan to act against fugitives, irreconcilable militants</a>

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security, the Foreign Office said today.

PNB scam: Non-bailable warrants issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi on CBI plea A special CBI court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against billionaire diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi in connection with the cases related to over $2 billion banking fraud in the Punjab National Bank, officials said in New Delhi on Sunday. Rajinikanth wants Chennai players to wear black armbands. This is why Rajinikanth on Sunday urged IPL franchise Chennai and its fans to wear a black armband as a show of solidarity with the protests in Tamil Nadu calling for the quick set up of a Cauvery management board. China objects to India's 'transgression' in Arunachal Pradesh India rejects the protest In yet another incident of discord, the Chinese military last month strongly protested against what it called the Indian Army's transgressions into the strategically sensitive Asaphila area along the border in Arunachal Pradesh, but the Indian side roundly dismissed the complaint, official sources said. Worst behind us, will be out of Nirav Modi mess in 6 months: PNB MD The worst is over for PNB and it will come out of the mess created by the Nirav Modi fraud case in six months, the state-run lender's Managing Director Sunil Mehta said Sunday. Pakistan, Afghanistan to act against fugitives, irreconcilable militants Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security, the Foreign Office said today.

Newsbrief: Big stories of the day

A special CBI court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against billionaire diamantaire <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125">Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi</a> in connection with the cases related to over $2 billion banking fraud in the Punjab National Bank, officials said in New Delhi on Sunday.

The special court has allowed the application of the agency for the issuance of NBWs against Modi and Choksi who had repeatedly refused to join the investigation in the scam, considered the biggest in the banking history of the country, the officials said.

The agency had written to Modi and Choksi to join probe on their official e-mail ids but they have refused to join it citing business engagements and health issues. The issuance of NBWs by a court also opens door of seeking Red Corner Notices against both of the accused from the Interpol.

The government has claimed to have tracked Modi in Hong Kong where it has sent a request for his provisional arrest.

The CBI, in the meanwhile, is questioning officials of overseas branches of Indian banks which had extended credit facilities to the companies of Modi and Choksi on the basis of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by the Punjab National Bank’s Brady House branch in Mumbai.

The agency has also summoned the official who handled foreign exchange transactions in the Hong Kong branch of the Allahabad bank, they said, adding that he may join the probe soon.

It is alleged that the LoUs and LCs worth close to $2 billion were issued to the companies of the uncle-nephew duo of Choksi and Modi from the Brady Road branch of the bank through SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) messages.

Several bank employees have been booked for collusion in the case, they said. The LoU is a guarantee which is given by an issuing bank to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant. In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to the credit giving bank along with accruing interest.

These messages were allegedly not entered in the banking software of the PNB to bypass surveillance. Modi (46), a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous Indians since 2013, was booked by the CBI, along with his wife, brother and Choksi for allegedly cheating the state-run PNB. Both Choksi and Modi have been booked in two cases each related to the bank fraud.

The uncle-nephew duo had managed to flee the country in the first week of January days before the PNB was able to detect the fraud. The bank officials also fraudulently issued foreign letters of credit or FLCs in which the PNB guaranteed payment on behalf of the accused to their suppliers which was to be recovered from the firms of Choksi and Nirav Modi, they alleged.

Funds raised through LoUs were meant to be used for the payment of import bills of the accused companies whereas it was dishonesty and fraudulently utilised for discharging the earlier liabilities on account of buyer’s credit facilities in a kind of roll over of payments, they alleged.

The PNB has alleged in its complaint that they opened the Letters of Credit initially for smaller amounts by creating purported entries in the core banking system, they said.

The accused bank officials pursuant to the conspiracy unauthorisedly enhanced the values of the FLCs and issued amendments to the FLCs issued through SWIFT which were encashed in overseas branches of Indian banks.

According to the RBI guidelines, LoUs for gems should not be valid for more than 90 days. The CBI had approached the Interpol with a request for issuing ‘Diffusion Notice’ which was aimed at locating an individual.

A court has allowed the application of CBI for issuance of non-bailable warrants against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi who had repeatedly refused to join the probe.

A special CBI court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against billionaire diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi in connection with the cases related to over $2 billion banking fraud in the Punjab National Bank, officials said in New Delhi on Sunday. The special court has allowed the application of the agency for the issuance of NBWs against Modi and Choksi who had repeatedly refused to join the investigation in the scam, considered the biggest in the banking history of the country, the officials said. The agency had written to Modi and Choksi to join probe on their official e-mail ids but they have refused to join it citing business engagements and health issues. The issuance of NBWs by a court also opens door of seeking Red Corner Notices against both of the accused from the Interpol. The government has claimed to have tracked Modi in Hong Kong where it has sent a request for his provisional arrest. The CBI, in the meanwhile, is questioning officials of overseas branches of Indian banks which had extended credit facilities to the companies of Modi and Choksi on the basis of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by the Punjab National Bank’s Brady House branch in Mumbai. The agency has also summoned the official who handled foreign exchange transactions in the Hong Kong branch of the Allahabad bank, they said, adding that he may join the probe soon. It is alleged that the LoUs and LCs worth close to $2 billion were issued to the companies of the uncle-nephew duo of Choksi and Modi from the Brady Road branch of the bank through SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) messages. Several bank employees have been booked for collusion in the case, they said. The LoU is a guarantee which is given by an issuing bank to Indian banks having branches abroad to grant a short-term credit to the applicant. In case of default, the bank issuing the LoU has to pay the liability to the credit giving bank along with accruing interest. These messages were allegedly not entered in the banking software of the PNB to bypass surveillance. Modi (46), a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous Indians since 2013, was booked by the CBI, along with his wife, brother and Choksi for allegedly cheating the state-run PNB. Both Choksi and Modi have been booked in two cases each related to the bank fraud. The uncle-nephew duo had managed to flee the country in the first week of January days before the PNB was able to detect the fraud. The bank officials also fraudulently issued foreign letters of credit or FLCs in which the PNB guaranteed payment on behalf of the accused to their suppliers which was to be recovered from the firms of Choksi and Nirav Modi, they alleged. Funds raised through LoUs were meant to be used for the payment of import bills of the accused companies whereas it was dishonesty and fraudulently utilised for discharging the earlier liabilities on account of buyer’s credit facilities in a kind of roll over of payments, they alleged. The PNB has alleged in its complaint that they opened the Letters of Credit initially for smaller amounts by creating purported entries in the core banking system, they said. The accused bank officials pursuant to the conspiracy unauthorisedly enhanced the values of the FLCs and issued amendments to the FLCs issued through SWIFT which were encashed in overseas branches of Indian banks. According to the RBI guidelines, LoUs for gems should not be valid for more than 90 days. The CBI had approached the Interpol with a request for issuing ‘Diffusion Notice’ which was aimed at locating an individual.

PNB scam: Non-bailable warrants issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi on CBI plea

A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in the multi-billion dollar PNB scam. According to reports, a special CBI court in Mumbai court allowed CBI's application for issuing a non-bailable warrant against both the accused.&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday questioned a former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank, HR Khan, in connection with alleged Punjab National Bank fraud case worth Rs 12,600 crores (1.9 billion) and relaxation of gold import policy by the erstwhile UPA government, sources said today.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125">&nbsp;Worst behind us, will be out of Nirav Modi mess in 6 months: PNB MD</a>

The CBI&nbsp;recently questioned three Chief General Managers and one General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), officials said.

Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have been accused of defrauding banks by raising loans from overseas branches of Indian lenders using Rs 12,600 crores of fraudulent guarantees issued by rogue Punjab National Bank staff at a Mumbai branch.

The fraud, which is being investigated by the CBI and other enforcement agencies, is the biggest in the country's banking history.&nbsp;

The CBI recently questioned three Chief General Managers and one General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in the multi-billion dollar PNB scam. According to reports, a special CBI court in Mumbai court allowed CBI's application for issuing a non-bailable warrant against both the accused. The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday questioned a former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank, HR Khan, in connection with alleged Punjab National Bank fraud case worth Rs 12,600 crores (1.9 billion) and relaxation of gold import policy by the erstwhile UPA government, sources said today. Also read: Worst behind us, will be out of Nirav Modi mess in 6 months: PNB MD The CBI recently questioned three Chief General Managers and one General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), officials said. Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have been accused of defrauding banks by raising loans from overseas branches of Indian lenders using Rs 12,600 crores of fraudulent guarantees issued by rogue Punjab National Bank staff at a Mumbai branch. The fraud, which is being investigated by the CBI and other enforcement agencies, is the biggest in the country's banking history.

PNB scam: CBI issues non-bailable warrant against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi

Gitanjali Gems Chairman and Managing Director Mehul Choksi, who is a co-accused in multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam on Tuesday said that &#39;exaggerated allegations by multiple investigating agencies have left him completely defenceless and that he feared for his safety to return home.&#39;

&quot;I further inform that requiring me to join the investigation, though leaving me helpless and information less, by various actions taken by multiple agencies is unfair. The manner in which the allegations have been exaggerated has left me completely defenceless,&quot; he said in a statement.

Choksi further said he was unable to travel to India due to his persisting health condition.

&quot;I am extremely held up in my business abroad and am working hard to resolves the issues it is facing due to the unnecessary closure of the business in India due to untenable allegations. Further, I am unable to travel to India due to my persisting health condition,&quot; Choksi said.

Hitting out at media, he said it was blowing every issue out of proportion.

&quot;I reiterate that I am abroad and have earlier also responded to your notices. Surprisingly, the issues raised remain unaddressed, making my fear of safety rise to extreme levels. Media continues to conduct a trial by itself and blow every issue out of proportion,&quot; he stated.

Clarifying that he was not making any excuse to travel to India, Choksi claimed that his passport is suspended.

&quot;Regional Passport Office (RPO) has not communicated with me and my passport remains suspended. I have the deepest respect for your offices and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever to travel to India,&quot; he added.

According to the sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the passports of Choksi and diamantaire Nirav Modi, his nephew, has been revoked, as they have failed to respond to the MEA&#39;s show cause notice.

Modi and Choksi, who had acquired letter of undertakings (LoUs) to avail credit from various sources, are wanted in India for their alleged involvement in syphoning off money from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of more than US $ 1.8 billion.

The scam, allegedly started in 2011, was unearthed last month, after which the PNB officials reported it to the concerned agencies.&nbsp;

Modi and Choksi are wanted in India for their alleged involvement in syphoning off money from the Punjab National Bank

Gitanjali Gems Chairman and Managing Director Mehul Choksi, who is a co-accused in multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam on Tuesday said that 'exaggerated allegations by multiple investigating agencies have left him completely defenceless and that he feared for his safety to return home.' "I further inform that requiring me to join the investigation, though leaving me helpless and information less, by various actions taken by multiple agencies is unfair. The manner in which the allegations have been exaggerated has left me completely defenceless," he said in a statement. Choksi further said he was unable to travel to India due to his persisting health condition. "I am extremely held up in my business abroad and am working hard to resolves the issues it is facing due to the unnecessary closure of the business in India due to untenable allegations. Further, I am unable to travel to India due to my persisting health condition," Choksi said. Hitting out at media, he said it was blowing every issue out of proportion. "I reiterate that I am abroad and have earlier also responded to your notices. Surprisingly, the issues raised remain unaddressed, making my fear of safety rise to extreme levels. Media continues to conduct a trial by itself and blow every issue out of proportion," he stated. Clarifying that he was not making any excuse to travel to India, Choksi claimed that his passport is suspended. "Regional Passport Office (RPO) has not communicated with me and my passport remains suspended. I have the deepest respect for your offices and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever to travel to India," he added. According to the sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the passports of Choksi and diamantaire Nirav Modi, his nephew, has been revoked, as they have failed to respond to the MEA's show cause notice. Modi and Choksi, who had acquired letter of undertakings (LoUs) to avail credit from various sources, are wanted in India for their alleged involvement in syphoning off money from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of more than US $ 1.8 billion. The scam, allegedly started in 2011, was unearthed last month, after which the PNB officials reported it to the concerned agencies.

Exaggerated allegations left me defenceless: Mehul Choksi

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has written to the CBI in reply to the notice the investigating agency had sent him.&nbsp;

In his reply, Choksi has said he is &quot;not making any excuse whatsoever to travel to India&quot;.&nbsp;

The CBI had earlier said that Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, who has become the face of the Rs 14,000 crore PNB scam, are refusing to cooperate with it in its investigation into the scam.&nbsp;

&quot;Regional Passport Office hasn&#39;t communicated with me and my passport remains suspended. I have deepest respect for your offices and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever, to travel to India,&quot; Choksi wrote to the CBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I reiterate that I am abroad &amp; have earlier also responded to your notices. Surprisingly, the issues raised remain unaddressed, making my fear of safety rise to extreme levels. Media continues to conduct a trial by itself &amp; blow every issue out of proportion: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a> to CBI
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975943998203420672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I further inform that requiring me to join investigation, though leaving me helpless and information-less, by various actions taken by multiple agencies is unfair. The manner in which the allegations have been exaggerated has left me completely defenceless,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

He did however also add that he will not yet be travelling to India.&nbsp;

&quot;I am extremely held up in my business abroad and am working hard to resolves the issues it is facing due to the unnecessary closure of business in India due to untenable allegations. Further I am unable to travel to India due to my persisting health condition,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The fugitive diamond merchant however added that he will not yet be travelling to India

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has written to the CBI in reply to the notice the investigating agency had sent him. In his reply, Choksi has said he is "not making any excuse whatsoever to travel to India". The CBI had earlier said that Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, who has become the face of the Rs 14,000 crore PNB scam, are refusing to cooperate with it in its investigation into the scam. "Regional Passport Office hasn't communicated with me and my passport remains suspended. I have deepest respect for your offices and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever, to travel to India," Choksi wrote to the CBI. I reiterate that I am abroad & have earlier also responded to your notices. Surprisingly, the issues raised remain unaddressed, making my fear of safety rise to extreme levels. Media continues to conduct a trial by itself & blow every issue out of proportion: #MehulChoksi to CBI — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × "I further inform that requiring me to join investigation, though leaving me helpless and information-less, by various actions taken by multiple agencies is unfair. The manner in which the allegations have been exaggerated has left me completely defenceless," he added. He did however also add that he will not yet be travelling to India. "I am extremely held up in my business abroad and am working hard to resolves the issues it is facing due to the unnecessary closure of business in India due to untenable allegations. Further I am unable to travel to India due to my persisting health condition," he added.

Not making any excuse whatsoever to travel to India: Mehul Choksi to CBI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today provisinally attached a power plant and 134 acres of land belonging to billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, key accused in the over&nbsp;Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.

The profits emanating from the solar power plant will go to the government coffers.

The ED, which has provisionally attached the land, and can attach the land only after the adjudicating authority confirms the attachment of the land.

The attachment can take upto six months to be confirmed. Till then, the ED cannot take any legal step.

Farmers had also tried to capture the 134 acres of land, alleging that Nirav Modi had bought the land at a low price.

Last month, the ED attached 21 properties of the Nirav Modi group, including flats and farmhouses, worth over Rs 523 crore.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that the firms controlled by Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had obtained <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-fallout-rbi-discontinues-letters-of-undertaking-35694">fraudulent letters of understanding</a> (LoUs) and letters of credit (LCs), worth over 13,000 crore from the PNB in connivance with some officials of the bank.

The profits emanating from the solar power plant will go in the government coffers

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today provisinally attached a power plant and 134 acres of land belonging to billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, key accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. The profits emanating from the solar power plant will go to the government coffers. The ED, which has provisionally attached the land, and can attach the land only after the adjudicating authority confirms the attachment of the land. The attachment can take upto six months to be confirmed. Till then, the ED cannot take any legal step. Farmers had also tried to capture the 134 acres of land, alleging that Nirav Modi had bought the land at a low price. Last month, the ED attached 21 properties of the Nirav Modi group, including flats and farmhouses, worth over Rs 523 crore. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that the firms controlled by Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi had obtained fraudulent letters of understanding (LoUs) and letters of credit (LCs), worth over 13,000 crore from the PNB in connivance with some officials of the bank.

PNB scam: ED attaches  134-acre Nirav Modi solar power plant

F<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">ugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi </a>has refused to appear in front of the CBI.

He wrote them a letter, blaming health problems for his inability to travel.

Here is the full text of his letter to the investigating agency.&nbsp;

Dear Sir, 
Please refer to the notice in the captioned FIR, sent by you seeking my appearance before your good office on 07.03.2018 at 10.30 AM which has been received by me on my E-mail as I am travelling.

I wish to bring to your kind attention that your good self and your office is well aware that my passport has been suspended as the same was communicated to you vide my previous reply also.

As you have, in your letter dated 28.02.2018, have stated that &lsquo;it is not clear whether you have responded to the Notice of the Passport Authorities to their satisfaction for getting the suspension revoked.&rsquo;, I bring to your notice that on 16.02.2018, I received an email from the Passport Office which stated that my Passport has been suspended due to the reason &lsquo;Security Threat to India&rsquo;. On 28.02.2018, I sent an e-mail to the Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, requesting them to revoke the suspension of my Passport, however, I have not received any reply from the Regional Passport Office.

I want to assure your good office and good self that I am in no manner dictating the terms of my appearance. However, as my Passport stands suspended by the Regional Passport Office under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, it is impossible for me to travel back to India. I further wish to point out that the Regional Passport Office Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a Security Threat to India. This goes to show that my Passport has been suspended in a manner which violates my Constitutional Rights.

In my last communication to your good self, I had expressed my apprehension and concern for my family&rsquo;s and my safety. I further wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by individuals with whom I have a business relationship. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees, customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity towards me.

I am concerned about my health and well-being. In case I am arrested, then I would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a government hospital. I would be further denied treatment in a private hospital. Even though right to receive proper medical treatment is provided in the Constitution of India, however, in practicality a person accused of an offence who is behind prison is denied a doctor of his own choice.

Furthermore, the various Political Parties in India have been politicizing the issue with a view to glorify their own interests. The entire reports being published in newspapers, various statements made by members of various political parties and the trial by media has therefore left me remediless and therefore a bias has been caused against me.

The different media reports portray as if I have already been convicted by the Hon&rsquo;ble Courts of India. They have caused great prejudice to my fundamental rights enshrined by the Constitution of India. Right to life and right to fair trail are quintessential fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The various news reports and publications against me violate those rights. I have got a sense from the different reports and publication that there is great unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair treatment and a fair trial. There is presumption of innocence in favour of every person until he is proved guilty. This fundamental principle has been ignored by the media which is evident from their various reports.

The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and this has left me completely defenseless, especially as my Passport has been suspended, without due process.

Multiple investigating agencies are after my life and the Central Bureau of Investigation has seized my office servers and I have no record of my business dealings. I am further being deprived of my basic right to communicate and the seizure of my servers have effectively denied me my fundamental right to defend myself against the allegations that have been leveled against me. I wish to bring to your notice and attention that I have been rendered defenseless. All the documents that were lying in my offices have been seized by the Investigating Agencies. I have also not been supplied with any copies of those documents.

My properties, both moveable and immovable, have been seized and/or attached by multiple investigating agencies. The investigating agencies have sealed my existing showrooms and have further seized the stock which was lying in the showrooms and have termed the same as &ldquo;proceeds of crime&rdquo;. Despite these seizures, CBI has not placed on judicial record the Seizure Memo as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The Investigating Agencies cannot in any way infringe the fundamental right to silence as enshrined under the Indian Constitution. It is well settled that an investigating agency cannot adopt measures to get information by unfair means and cannot force a person to accede to their requests in giving them the desired answers.

CBI in this matter has seized documents from various places during investigation in the matter. Even though under Section 102 CrPC the police officer has power to seize property which may be alleged or suspected to have been stolen, or which may be found under circumstances which create suspicion of the commission of any offence, the submission of a seizure report is a mandatory requirement of Section 102 CrPC. It is necessary that the requirement of Section 102 CrPC be complied with by CBI.

There has been a gross abuse of process of law by the Investigating Agencies. The seizure of my movable/immovable properties, bank accounts and shutting down of all my offices in India has caused prejudice against me. It is in the interest of justice that I be granted an opportunity to have a free and fair trial, however, the investigating agencies are acting with a pre-determined mind which is hampering the process of law and interfering with the course of justice.

It has been held by the Hon&rsquo;ble Supreme Court that an Investigating Officer must conduct a fair and proper investigation to bring out the real truth. It is imperative that the Investigating Officer must not act as Prosecution in order to have the accused convicted by the Hon&rsquo;ble Courts.

I am deeply affected by the media and Investigating Agencies as they have also roped in my family members with a view to prejudice me. The media and investigating agencies are aware that they can harass me if my family members can be connected to the cases filed against me.

I have been called a &lsquo;fugitive&rsquo; many a times and I would like to inform your good offices that I had travelled abroad for my business, prior to the registration of the captioned FIR and this is no manner can mean that my travel abroad was a direct result of the registration of the captioned FIR. Further, the searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate are contrary to the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The unfairness of the investigation is apparent as my family members have been roped in without any justification and the moreover the allegations leveled against Mr. Nirav Modi are different.

The unfair manner in which the investigation is being carried out is evident from the fact that you good self had directed me to approach the Embassy for a temporary travel document, knowing fully well that under no provision of law, a direction can be issued to me to go to an Embassy.

I am suffering from extreme mental agony due to the above aspects raised. The notice has been issued directing me to appear on 07.03.2018 at 10:30 AM without even considering the above mentioned factors.

I am also not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same. The entire procedure could not be completed on all veins due to danger to kidney and therefore I am not allowed to travel for at least a period of four to six months.

I reiterate that I am continuing to work outside India and considering the difficulties my business has faced due to the unfairness of the investigating agencies, it is requested to your good self to communicate with me on mail ... (email deleted) or my Advocate ... (name and number of advocate deleted) in respect of any issues which you consider is needed to be addressed to me concerning the investigation.

 
Regards, 
Mehul Choksi

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Citing health troubles, Choksi has said he cannot appear before the CBI for questioning

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has refused to appear in front of the CBI. He wrote them a letter, blaming health problems for his inability to travel. Here is the full text of his letter to the investigating agency. Dear Sir, Please refer to the notice in the captioned FIR, sent by you seeking my appearance before your good office on 07.03.2018 at 10.30 AM which has been received by me on my E-mail as I am travelling. I wish to bring to your kind attention that your good self and your office is well aware that my passport has been suspended as the same was communicated to you vide my previous reply also. As you have, in your letter dated 28.02.2018, have stated that ‘it is not clear whether you have responded to the Notice of the Passport Authorities to their satisfaction for getting the suspension revoked.’, I bring to your notice that on 16.02.2018, I received an email from the Passport Office which stated that my Passport has been suspended due to the reason ‘Security Threat to India’. On 28.02.2018, I sent an e-mail to the Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, requesting them to revoke the suspension of my Passport, however, I have not received any reply from the Regional Passport Office. I want to assure your good office and good self that I am in no manner dictating the terms of my appearance. However, as my Passport stands suspended by the Regional Passport Office under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, it is impossible for me to travel back to India. I further wish to point out that the Regional Passport Office Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a Security Threat to India. This goes to show that my Passport has been suspended in a manner which violates my Constitutional Rights. In my last communication to your good self, I had expressed my apprehension and concern for my family’s and my safety. I further wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by individuals with whom I have a business relationship. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees, customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity towards me. I am concerned about my health and well-being. In case I am arrested, then I would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a government hospital. I would be further denied treatment in a private hospital. Even though right to receive proper medical treatment is provided in the Constitution of India, however, in practicality a person accused of an offence who is behind prison is denied a doctor of his own choice. Furthermore, the various Political Parties in India have been politicizing the issue with a view to glorify their own interests. The entire reports being published in newspapers, various statements made by members of various political parties and the trial by media has therefore left me remediless and therefore a bias has been caused against me. The different media reports portray as if I have already been convicted by the Hon’ble Courts of India. They have caused great prejudice to my fundamental rights enshrined by the Constitution of India. Right to life and right to fair trail are quintessential fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The various news reports and publications against me violate those rights. I have got a sense from the different reports and publication that there is great unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair treatment and a fair trial. There is presumption of innocence in favour of every person until he is proved guilty. This fundamental principle has been ignored by the media which is evident from their various reports. The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and this has left me completely defenseless, especially as my Passport has been suspended, without due process. Multiple investigating agencies are after my life and the Central Bureau of Investigation has seized my office servers and I have no record of my business dealings. I am further being deprived of my basic right to communicate and the seizure of my servers have effectively denied me my fundamental right to defend myself against the allegations that have been leveled against me. I wish to bring to your notice and attention that I have been rendered defenseless. All the documents that were lying in my offices have been seized by the Investigating Agencies. I have also not been supplied with any copies of those documents. My properties, both moveable and immovable, have been seized and/or attached by multiple investigating agencies. The investigating agencies have sealed my existing showrooms and have further seized the stock which was lying in the showrooms and have termed the same as “proceeds of crime”. Despite these seizures, CBI has not placed on judicial record the Seizure Memo as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Investigating Agencies cannot in any way infringe the fundamental right to silence as enshrined under the Indian Constitution. It is well settled that an investigating agency cannot adopt measures to get information by unfair means and cannot force a person to accede to their requests in giving them the desired answers. CBI in this matter has seized documents from various places during investigation in the matter. Even though under Section 102 CrPC the police officer has power to seize property which may be alleged or suspected to have been stolen, or which may be found under circumstances which create suspicion of the commission of any offence, the submission of a seizure report is a mandatory requirement of Section 102 CrPC. It is necessary that the requirement of Section 102 CrPC be complied with by CBI. There has been a gross abuse of process of law by the Investigating Agencies. The seizure of my movable/immovable properties, bank accounts and shutting down of all my offices in India has caused prejudice against me. It is in the interest of justice that I be granted an opportunity to have a free and fair trial, however, the investigating agencies are acting with a pre-determined mind which is hampering the process of law and interfering with the course of justice. It has been held by the Hon’ble Supreme Court that an Investigating Officer must conduct a fair and proper investigation to bring out the real truth. It is imperative that the Investigating Officer must not act as Prosecution in order to have the accused convicted by the Hon’ble Courts. I am deeply affected by the media and Investigating Agencies as they have also roped in my family members with a view to prejudice me. The media and investigating agencies are aware that they can harass me if my family members can be connected to the cases filed against me. I have been called a ‘fugitive’ many a times and I would like to inform your good offices that I had travelled abroad for my business, prior to the registration of the captioned FIR and this is no manner can mean that my travel abroad was a direct result of the registration of the captioned FIR. Further, the searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate are contrary to the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure. The unfairness of the investigation is apparent as my family members have been roped in without any justification and the moreover the allegations leveled against Mr. Nirav Modi are different. The unfair manner in which the investigation is being carried out is evident from the fact that you good self had directed me to approach the Embassy for a temporary travel document, knowing fully well that under no provision of law, a direction can be issued to me to go to an Embassy. I am suffering from extreme mental agony due to the above aspects raised. The notice has been issued directing me to appear on 07.03.2018 at 10:30 AM without even considering the above mentioned factors. I am also not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same. The entire procedure could not be completed on all veins due to danger to kidney and therefore I am not allowed to travel for at least a period of four to six months. I reiterate that I am continuing to work outside India and considering the difficulties my business has faced due to the unfairness of the investigating agencies, it is requested to your good self to communicate with me on mail ... (email deleted) or my Advocate ... (name and number of advocate deleted) in respect of any issues which you consider is needed to be addressed to me concerning the investigation. Regards, Mehul Choksi

If arrested, will only get treatment in government hospital: Read full text of Mehul Choksi's letter to CBI

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds.

In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;I&#39;m&nbsp;not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same,&#39;&#39; he stated in his written reply to the CBI.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNBScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNBScam</a> accused <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>&#39;s reply to CBI: I am also not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971642498480132097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Choksi has also asked &#39;&#39;how he is a security threat to India&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;As my Passport stands suspended. I further wish to point out that the RPO Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a security threat to India,&#39;&#39; he noted in his response.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNBScam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNBScam</a> accused <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>&#39;s reply to CBI: As my Passport stands suspended. I further wish to point out that the RPO Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a security threat to India.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971642495774818304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Stating that various media reports have media of reports have tarnished his image, he said right to life and right to fair trial are quintessential&nbsp;fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. &#39;&#39;The various news&nbsp;reports and&nbsp;publications against me violate those rights. I have got a&nbsp;sense from the different reports and publication that there is great&nbsp;unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair&nbsp;treatment and a fair trial,&#39;&#39; he stated&nbsp;in his reply.

The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and&nbsp;every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and&nbsp;this has left me completely defenceless, especially as my Passport&nbsp;has been suspended, without due process, he noted.&nbsp;

&#39;I had expressed my&nbsp;apprehension for my family&rsquo;s and my safety. I wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by&nbsp;individuals with whom I have a business relationship.&nbsp;As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees,&nbsp;customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity&nbsp;towards me,&#39;&#39; he stated in the letter.&nbsp;

He also said that he was concerned about his health and well-being and added that in case he was arrested, he would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a Government Hospital. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

'I'm not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same,' Choksi said in his reply to the CBI

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem. ''I'm not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same,'' he stated in his written reply to the CBI. #PNBScam accused #MehulChoksi's reply to CBI: I am also not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same. — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2018 × Choksi has also asked ''how he is a security threat to India''. ''As my Passport stands suspended. I further wish to point out that the RPO Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a security threat to India,'' he noted in his response. #PNBScam accused #MehulChoksi's reply to CBI: As my Passport stands suspended. I further wish to point out that the RPO Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a security threat to India. — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2018 × Stating that various media reports have media of reports have tarnished his image, he said right to life and right to fair trial are quintessential fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. ''The various news reports and publications against me violate those rights. I have got a sense from the different reports and publication that there is great unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair treatment and a fair trial,'' he stated in his reply. The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and this has left me completely defenceless, especially as my Passport has been suspended, without due process, he noted. 'I had expressed my apprehension for my family’s and my safety. I wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by individuals with whom I have a business relationship. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees, customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity towards me,'' he stated in the letter. He also said that he was concerned about his health and well-being and added that in case he was arrested, he would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a Government Hospital.

Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is security threat to India

The Central Bureau of Investigation has cleared that they do not believe the claims presented by&nbsp;fugitive Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi.

They also said that they have asked the two to disclose their locations, however, they have not disclosed it yet.&nbsp;

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Both <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a> have been asked to disclose their locations but they haven&rsquo;t disclosed yet. CBI is not believing the excuses being given by both of them: CBI
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971715970019610624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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CBI registers a fresh case against two firms of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/owq8xGdFzt">pic.twitter.com/owq8xGdFzt</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971713381320351747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The CBI&#39;s clarification came after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">Choksi sent a letter</a> to the investigating agency refusing to appear in front of the agency.&nbsp;

He said &#39;&#39;I&#39;m&nbsp;not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same&quot;.

Earlier Nirav Modi had also written a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-nirav-modis-letter-to-pnb-33448" target="_blank">letter to the Punjab National Bank</a> stating his incapability to pay back the loan amount. He also blamed the bank for defaming his brand.&nbsp;

CBI also said that they have asked the two to disclose their locations, however, they have not disclosed it yet

The Central Bureau of Investigation has cleared that they do not believe the claims presented by fugitive Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi. They also said that they have asked the two to disclose their locations, however, they have not disclosed it yet. Both #MehulChoksi and #NiravModi have been asked to disclose their locations but they haven’t disclosed yet. CBI is not believing the excuses being given by both of them: CBI — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2018 × CBI registers a fresh case against two firms of #NiravModi. pic.twitter.com/owq8xGdFzt — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2018 × The CBI's clarification came after Choksi sent a letter to the investigating agency refusing to appear in front of the agency. He said ''I'm not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same". Earlier Nirav Modi had also written a letter to the Punjab National Bank stating his incapability to pay back the loan amount. He also blamed the bank for defaming his brand.

Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi not disclosing location, we do not believe their 'excuses': CBI

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-speaks-to-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-after-he-orders-two-tdp-ministers-to-quit-modis-cabinet-35109" target="_blank">Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening.&nbsp;The two TDP ministers in Modi&#39;s cabinet &mdash; Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary &mdash; later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-government-approves-state-flag-to-seek-approval-from-centre-35106" target="_blank">Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre</a>

The Karnataka&#39;s Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday.&nbsp;The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem &ldquo;Ganda Bherunda&rdquo;, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">Kerala &#39;love jihad&#39; case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya&#39;s marriage, strikes down </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">high</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank"> court order</a>

In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">security</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank"> threat to India</a>

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/curfew-in-sri-lankan-tourist-town-of-kandy-to-be-temporarily-lifted-35060" target="_blank">Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted</a>

A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.

&nbsp;

Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening. The two TDP ministers in Modi's cabinet — Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary — later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him. Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre The Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday. The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem “Ganda Bherunda”, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle. Kerala 'love jihad' case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya's marriage, strikes down high court order In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter. Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is security threat to India Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem. Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.

WION Evening News Brief, March 8, 2018

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