Completely defenceless due to exaggerated allegations

Choksi to CBI

New Delhi, March 20: Diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, co-accused in the Rs 13,540 crore Punjab tiol Bank (PNB) fraud, has said that “exaggerated” allegations by multiple investigating agencies have left him “completely defenceless” and that he feared for his safety to return home.

In a two-page March 16-dated letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Choksi denied he was a partner of Diamond R US, Stellar Diamond and Solar Exports.

These firms have been accused of conducting fraudulent transactions with Firestar Intertiol and Firestar Diamond Intertiol owned his nephew Nirav Modi, who is also an accused in the PNB fraud.

The companies were med by the CBI in an additiol FIR filed on February 14. Choksi was summoned to appear before the CBI on March 16 for questioning in the case.

Reiterating that it was “impossible” for him to return to India, Choksi said his health condition was not conducive and that his passport remained suspended.

“Till date, the Regiol Passport Office (in 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.  (IANS)