Choksi fears for safety, refuses to join probe

Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 20

Refusing to join the investigation again, Mehul Choksi, co-accused in the Rs13,540 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, in a letter to CBI said he felt “completely defenceless” due to "exaggerated" allegations levelled by multiple investigating agencies against him.

“I expressed my apprehension and concern of my family’s and my safety. The threat to me and my family continues,” Choksi said.

In a two-page letter e-mailed to the CBI on March 16, Choksi denied that he was a partner of Diamond R US, Stellar Diamond and Solar Exports that had been accused of conducting fraudulent transactions with Firestar International and Firestar Diamond International owned by Nirav Modi, prime accused in the fraud, sources said.

He said: “Requiring me to join the investigation, though by not informing me that another RC registered makes me wonder as to what the underlining purpose behind the same is.”

According to the sources Choksi reiterated that it was "impossible" for him to return to India as his health condition was not conducive and his passport remained suspended. "Till date, the Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, hasn't communicated with me and my passport remains suspended. I have the deepest respect for your offices and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever, to travel to India,” Choksi told CBI in his letter.