New Delhi sources reported that Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choski, who is under the scanner of investigating agencies following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank, has said it was impossible for him to return to India and join the investigation due to the suspension of his passport and ill-health.
In a detailed e-mail reply to the CBIs notice seeking his appearance, Choksi said he was not in a position to travel as his passport has been suspended by the authorities and he was undergoing medical treatment. As per report "He wants to assure your good office and good self that he is in no manner dictating the terms of his appearance. However, as his passport stands suspended by the Regional Passport Office under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passport Act, it is impossible for him to travel back to India”.
Moreover the CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the
case. Both Choksi and Modi are said to have left the country before criminal
cases were lodged against them. They have, however, denied any wrongdoing.
Presently the ED, a central probe agency under the union finance ministry, is
investigating if the allegedly defrauded bank funds were laundered and proceeds
of crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and
black money.
