The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has surrendered his Indian passport to the Antiguan government, news reports said Monday morning.&nbsp;

Choksi is one of the main accused — the other being his nephew Nirav Modi — in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab and National Bank scam.&nbsp;

Choksi fled to Antigua in January 2018 and has been living there since.&nbsp;

He had in December last year told a Mumbai court that he cannot return to India for questioning.

Choksi said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-travel-41-hours-to-reach-india-mehul-choksi-186331">his "poor health" would not allow him to undertake the 41-hour flight</a> from Antigua to India. He had however consented to being questioned via&nbsp;video&nbsp;conferencing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on January 1 this year that defaulters will not be spared and that his government will bring them back to India.&nbsp;

“Those who fled during this government, they will be brought back, today or tomorrow. Diplomatic channels, legal courses, and seizure of properties being done. Those who have stolen India’s money, they will have to compensate for each and every penny,'' Modi said.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that Choksi had deposited his passport — with the number Z3396732 — and the mandatory $177 required for the giving up Indian citizenship with the Antiguan authorities.&nbsp;

Choksi, it is suspected, is looking to avoid being extradited to India by taking up Antiguan citizenship.&nbsp;A hearing on the issue is scheduled for February 22 in Antigua.&nbsp;

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a> : Our govt has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled, will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back. <a href="https://t.co/w3IinkbmlC">pic.twitter.com/w3IinkbmlC</a>
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Home Minister Rajnath Singh reacted to the alleged development, telling ANI that: "Our government has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back."&nbsp;

The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has surrendered his Indian passport to the Antiguan government, news reports said Monday morning. Choksi is one of the main accused — the other being his nephew Nirav Modi — in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab and National Bank scam.

The fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has surrendered his Indian passport to the Antiguan government, news reports said Monday morning. Choksi is one of the main accused — the other being his nephew Nirav Modi — in the over Rs 13,000 crore Punjab and National Bank scam. Choksi fled to Antigua in January 2018 and has been living there since. He had in December last year told a Mumbai court that he cannot return to India for questioning. Choksi said his "poor health" would not allow him to undertake the 41-hour flight from Antigua to India. He had however consented to being questioned via video conferencing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on January 1 this year that defaulters will not be spared and that his government will bring them back to India. “Those who fled during this government, they will be brought back, today or tomorrow. Diplomatic channels, legal courses, and seizure of properties being done. Those who have stolen India’s money, they will have to compensate for each and every penny,'' Modi said. News reports said Monday that Choksi had deposited his passport — with the number Z3396732 — and the mandatory $177 required for the giving up Indian citizenship with the Antiguan authorities. Choksi, it is suspected, is looking to avoid being extradited to India by taking up Antiguan citizenship. A hearing on the issue is scheduled for February 22 in Antigua. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on #MehulChoksi : Our govt has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled, will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back. pic.twitter.com/w3IinkbmlC — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Home Minister Rajnath Singh reacted to the alleged development, telling ANI that: "Our government has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders bill. Those who have fled will be brought back. It might take some time but they all will be brought back."

Trying to avoid extradition, PNB scam-accused Mehul Choksi surrenders Indian passport in Antigua: Reports

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Friday said it has attached a factory in Thailand worth over Rs 13 crore of a Gitanjali group company, owned by absconding diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi, in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB fraud case.

The agency said it has issued a provisional order for attachment, under the PMLA, of the factory premise owned by Abbeycrest (Thailand) Limited which is a "group company" of the Gitanjali group of companies.

"Investigations under PMLA revealed that Abbeycrest (Thailand) Limited is the beneficiary of the LoUs (Letters of Undertaking) issued fraudulently and unauthorisedly from the PNB to the tune of Rs 92.3 crore.&nbsp;

"During the probe, this overseas property has been identified and after gathering concrete evidence of ownership it has been attached," the ED said in a statement.

The value of the property is Rs 13.14 crore, it added. The ED is probing this case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Officials said ED investigators will soon get issued Letters Rogatories (judicial requests) for the legal formalisation of the attachment of the foreign-based asset.&nbsp; 
Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi, and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light, 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 Choksi and Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Choksi was last reported to be in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

"With this attachment, the value of attachment/seizure in the PNB scam is to the tune of Rs 4,765 crore (approx). Further investigation is in the process," the ED said.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Friday said it has attached a factory in Thailand worth over Rs 13 crore of a Gitanjali group company, owned by absconding diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi, in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB fraud case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Friday said it has attached a factory in Thailand worth over Rs 13 crore of a Gitanjali group company, owned by absconding diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi, in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB fraud case. The agency said it has issued a provisional order for attachment, under the PMLA, of the factory premise owned by Abbeycrest (Thailand) Limited which is a "group company" of the Gitanjali group of companies. "Investigations under PMLA revealed that Abbeycrest (Thailand) Limited is the beneficiary of the LoUs (Letters of Undertaking) issued fraudulently and unauthorisedly from the PNB to the tune of Rs 92.3 crore. "During the probe, this overseas property has been identified and after gathering concrete evidence of ownership it has been attached," the ED said in a statement. The value of the property is Rs 13.14 crore, it added. The ED is probing this case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials said ED investigators will soon get issued Letters Rogatories (judicial requests) for the legal formalisation of the attachment of the foreign-based asset. Choksi, his nephew and diamond jeweller Nirav Modi, and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light, 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 Choksi and Modi are absconding since the case was registered by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Choksi was last reported to be in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. "With this attachment, the value of attachment/seizure in the PNB scam is to the tune of Rs 4,765 crore (approx). Further investigation is in the process," the ED said.

PNB scam: ED attaches Thailand factory of Choksi's group company

Mehul Choksi has said he cannot travel 41 hours to reach India. He has however said he would be willing to be questioned over video call.&nbsp;

Choksi is one of the prime accused, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi is currently in Antigua.&nbsp;

Choksi submitted his answer to a Bombay court where a case has been filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp;

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Mehul Choksi also submitted in Bombay Court that he has expressed his willingness to join the investigation through video conferencing <a href="https://t.co/pE3CACK2DQ">https://t.co/pE3CACK2DQ</a>
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Choksi cited his poor health and inability to travel long hours for not being able to come to India for investigations.&nbsp;

He also accused&nbsp;the ED of misleading the court by deliberately not revealing his health condition. Choksi added that he is in constant touch with the banks and wishes to settle his dues.&nbsp;

The Interpol had on December 13 a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-bank-case-interpol-issues-red-corned-notice-against-mehul-choksi-183652">issued&nbsp;a red&nbsp;corner notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi</a>.

An RCN issued by Interpol works like an international arrest warrant. The notice was issued at the 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.

Mehul Choksi has said he cannot travel 41 hours to reach India. He has however said he would be willing to be questioned over video call. Choksi is one of the prime accused, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam.

Mehul Choksi has said he cannot travel 41 hours to reach India. He has however said he would be willing to be questioned over video call. Choksi is one of the prime accused, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi is currently in Antigua. Choksi submitted his answer to a Bombay court where a case has been filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate. Mehul Choksi also submitted in Bombay Court that he has expressed his willingness to join the investigation through video conferencing https://t.co/pE3CACK2DQ — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Choksi cited his poor health and inability to travel long hours for not being able to come to India for investigations. He also accused the ED of misleading the court by deliberately not revealing his health condition. Choksi added that he is in constant touch with the banks and wishes to settle his dues. The Interpol had on December 13 a issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Mehul Choksi. An RCN issued by Interpol works like an international arrest warrant. The notice was issued at the 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.

Cannot travel 41 hours to reach India: Mehul Choksi

The CBI has arrested 10 people for alleged misuse of Lettter of Undertakings worth over Rs 9 crore in the Punjab National Bank's Brady House branch, the fountainhead of a $2 billion scam perpetrated by billionaires Nirav Modi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-bank-case-interpol-issues-red-corned-notice-against-mehul-choksi-183652">Mehul Choksi</a>, officials said Wednesday.

In March, the agency had filed a case pertaining to "fraudulent"&nbsp;issuance of LOUs amounting to Rs 9 crore to Chandri Papers and Allied Products by the PNB's Brady House branch, they said.

A LoU is a service whereby the bank guarantees a customer's payment obligation of a specified amount to an overseas bank.&nbsp;

The two LoUs were allegedly issued in April, 2017 in favour of SBI, Antwerp, Belgium, they said.

The company did not pay back, bringing the liability on the state-run PNB.

Retired PNB employee Gokulnath Shetty and a single-window operator (SWO) at the branch, Manoj Kharat, who are facing CBI probe in the Modi-Choksi case, were named by the agency in an FIR, the officials said.

The CBI thereafter arrested eight officials who were working at the branch at that time. They are -- SWOs Manoj Kharat, Amar Jadhav and Sagar Sawant, chief manager Bechu Tiwari, manager

Yashwant Joshi, branch head Sanjay Prasad, officer Prafful Sawant and chief internal auditor Mohinder Sharma.?

The directors of the company, Ishwardas Agarwal and Adtiya Rasiwasia, were also taken into custody by the CBI in an operation that started on Tuesday, the officials said.

All the arrested accused have been sent to police custody till December 21, a CBI spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The CBI has arrested 10 people for alleged misuse of Lettter of Undertakings worth over Rs 9 crore in the Punjab National Bank's Brady House branch, the fountainhead of a $2 billion scam perpetrated by billionaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, officials said Wednesday.

The CBI has arrested 10 people for alleged misuse of Lettter of Undertakings worth over Rs 9 crore in the Punjab National Bank's Brady House branch, the fountainhead of a $2 billion scam perpetrated by billionaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, officials said Wednesday. In March, the agency had filed a case pertaining to "fraudulent" issuance of LOUs amounting to Rs 9 crore to Chandri Papers and Allied Products by the PNB's Brady House branch, they said. A LoU is a service whereby the bank guarantees a customer's payment obligation of a specified amount to an overseas bank. The two LoUs were allegedly issued in April, 2017 in favour of SBI, Antwerp, Belgium, they said. The company did not pay back, bringing the liability on the state-run PNB. Retired PNB employee Gokulnath Shetty and a single-window operator (SWO) at the branch, Manoj Kharat, who are facing CBI probe in the Modi-Choksi case, were named by the agency in an FIR, the officials said. The CBI thereafter arrested eight officials who were working at the branch at that time. They are -- SWOs Manoj Kharat, Amar Jadhav and Sagar Sawant, chief manager Bechu Tiwari, manager Yashwant Joshi, branch head Sanjay Prasad, officer Prafful Sawant and chief internal auditor Mohinder Sharma.? The directors of the company, Ishwardas Agarwal and Adtiya Rasiwasia, were also taken into custody by the CBI in an operation that started on Tuesday, the officials said. All the arrested accused have been sent to police custody till December 21, a CBI spokesperson said.

CBI arrests 10 people for alleged misuse of LoUs worth Rs 9 cr at PNB's Brady House branch

&nbsp;The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">extradition requests</a>, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, listed 29 people, including liquor baron <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">Vijay Mallya</a>, and diamantaires <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/interpol-issues-red-corner-notice-against-nirav-modi-for-money-laundering-148356">Nirav Modi</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-bank-case-interpol-issues-red-corned-notice-against-mehul-choksi-183652">Mehul Choksi</a>, as those involved in financial irregularities who have fled the country or are living abroad for the years 2015-18 as per the details provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation .

According to the information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, there are 41 people involved in financial irregularities who fled the country or are living abroad, including Mallya, Modi and Choksi, he said.

Five persons -- Hamel Mahendrabhai Langalia, Rajeev Verma, Syed Zainul Hasan, Modi and Choksi -- were found involved in various violations of Customs Act, 1962, and have fled the country or are living abroad, Singh said, citing information given by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

"Efforts are being made for securing the presence of these accused in the country by way of issuance of LOC (Look Out Circulars), RCN (Red Corner Notice) and extradition requests," he said.

An action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has also been initiated in suitable cases, he said.&nbsp;

Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid.

For Modi, 18 letters of request (LRs) have been sent to different countries and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-faces-bankruptcy-proceedings-in-uk-high-court-184975">two separate extradition requests have been forwarded to the UK</a> in August 2018. 
RCN has been opened and LRs sent to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA for Choksi.

The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and extradition requests, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

The government is making efforts to bring back people involved in financial irregularities to the country through Look Out Circulars, Red Corner Notice and extradition requests, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, listed 29 people, including liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and diamantaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, as those involved in financial irregularities who have fled the country or are living abroad for the years 2015-18 as per the details provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation . According to the information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, there are 41 people involved in financial irregularities who fled the country or are living abroad, including Mallya, Modi and Choksi, he said. Five persons -- Hamel Mahendrabhai Langalia, Rajeev Verma, Syed Zainul Hasan, Modi and Choksi -- were found involved in various violations of Customs Act, 1962, and have fled the country or are living abroad, Singh said, citing information given by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. "Efforts are being made for securing the presence of these accused in the country by way of issuance of LOC (Look Out Circulars), RCN (Red Corner Notice) and extradition requests," he said. An action under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has also been initiated in suitable cases, he said. Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was recently ordered by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, an order which now awaits a sign-off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid. For Modi, 18 letters of request (LRs) have been sent to different countries and two separate extradition requests have been forwarded to the UK in August 2018. RCN has been opened and LRs sent to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and USA for Choksi.

Efforts on to bring back 29 economic offenders including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi: Government

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>
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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>
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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

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