Mehul Choksi never cooperated in probe; He is a fugitive and absconder: ED to Mumbai court

Choksi, currently based in the Caribbean nation of Antigua, told the high court that he would return to India as soon as he is medically fit to travel.

New Delhi: Mounting troubles for diamantaire Mehul Choksi, Enforcement Directorate in an affidavit to Mumbai court stated that Choksi never cooperated in investigation and therefore non-bailable warrant was issued against him. The affidavit also said that a Red Notice was issued by Interpol against him. “He has refused to return, he is therefore, a fugitive and an absconder.” Choksi, who is the main accused in 13,700 crore Punjab National Bank scam, fled to Antigua and attained its citizenship to save himself from arrest. Denying the charges, Choksi had told Bombay High Court that he didn’t flee India and had travelled abroad for his medical treatment and not to avoid prosecution in the case. Choksi, currently based in the Caribbean nation of Antigua, told the high court that he would return to India as soon as he is medically fit to travel. Choksi claimed he left the country on January 4, 2018, while as per the Punjab National Bank; the alleged fraud came to their knowledge on January 16, 2018.

Enforcement Directorate in its affidavit in a Mumbai court states, "He (Mehul Choksi) never cooperated in investigation. Non bailable warrant was issued against him. A Red Notice was issued by the Interpol. He has refused to return, he is therefore, a fugitive and an absconder." pic.twitter.com/meWsiavv2B

— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2019

"Hence, the allegations that I left the country to avoid criminal prosecution is without any basis as the PNB itself came to know about the alleged fraudulent issuance of Letters of Undertaking only on January 16, 2018," Choksi said. "I am willing to join investigation and subject myself to interrogation in Antigua” he said. The kingpin in the case Nirav Modi also fled to United Kingdom and was arrested by the London police after pressure from India.