Businessman and owner of Gitanjali Gems Mehul Choksi, who is Co-accused in the Rs 13,540 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, has written to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that “exaggerated” allegations by multiple investigating agencies has left him “completely defenceless”.
Choksi also wrote that he feared for his safety and blamed the media of blowing things out of proportion.
“Regional Passport Office hasn’t communicated with me & my passport remains suspended. I have deepest respect for your office and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever to travel to India,” he said.
“I reiterate that I am abroad & have earlier also responded to your notices. Surprisingly, the issues raised remain unaddressed, making my fear of safety rise to extreme levels. Media continues to conduct a trial by itself & blow every issue out of proportion. I further inform that requiring me to join investigation, though leaving me helpless and information less, by various actions taken by multiple agencies is unfair. The manner in which the allegations have been exaggerated has left me completely defenceless.
“I am extremely held up in my business abroad and am working hard to resolves the issues it is facing due to the unnecessary closure of business in India due to untenable allegations. Further I am unable to travel to India due to my persisting health condition.”
He questioned the CBI move to name him in another case related to the bank fraud “knowing fully well that I have no concern whatsoever” with Diamond R US, Stellar Diamond, Solar Exports. “I am neither a partner (of these firms) nor do I have any kind of association with the three concerns,” Choksi added.
Last week, the government had said that corporate affairs ministry’s Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is probing 107 companies and seven Limited Liability Partnerships linked to Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups with regard to the nearly Rs 12,700 crore Punjab National Bank scam.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Lok Sabha that an investigation by the SFIO has been ordered into the affairs of “107 companies and 7 LLPs belonging to Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi Groups”.
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) — white collar crime probe agency– comes under the corporate affairs ministry.
A multi-agency probe is already underway into the fraud which was mainly perpetrated by way of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs).
