Economic fugitive Mehul Choksi funded Sonia Gandhi-led Rajiv Gandhi Foundation

NEW DELHI: India's most wanted economic offender, Mehul Choksi of Gitanjali Gems was a donor to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), the latest in the series of disclosures on controversial donations made to the Congress trust.

This donation for an undisclosed amount is part of the RGF annual report of 2013-15. The donations were made in the name of Naviraj Estates Private Limited and Mehul Choksi is one of the two directors in the company.

Diamond merchant, Choksi is on the run from charges related to a fraud in Punjab National Bank and other banks. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) earlier this month brought back over 2,340 kg of polished diamonds, pearls and silver jewelry valued Rs 1,350 crore of various United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong based entities of fugitive diamantaires Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi from Hong Kong.

These valuables in 108 consignments were brought back to Mumbai, the ED said. Out of 108 consignments, 32 belong to the entities controlled by Nirav Modi and rests belong to entities controlled by Choksi. These valuables were valued on arrival and were subsequently seized in India and independent valuers assessed these earlier consignments to be worth around Rs 137 Crore, the ED said.

One of the biggest bank defaulters, Mehul Choksi's Geetanjali Gems is top of the list prepared by Reserve Bank of India of top 30 wilful defaulters. The list mentioned that Choksi had defaulted on an amount of Rs 5,044 crore. (IANS)

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