PNB fraud: Choksi refuses to join CBI probe again

New Delhi: Jeweller Mehul Choksi has once again refused to join a CBI probe in the multi-crore PNB scam and claimed that “untenable” allegations had resulted in sudden closure of his business. He said it exposed him and his family to “threats” from former associates.

In his latest letter to the CBI, dated March 16, Mr Choksi also mentioned his medical condition, suspended passport, and media trial to decline the agency’s communication asking him to join the probe.

“Till date, the regional passport office has not communicated with me and my passport continues to remain suspended. I assure your good offices that I’m not making any excuse whatsoever to travel to India,” he said in the letter addressed to the investigating officer of the case.

The agency had asked him to appear before it for questioning in connection with the first FIR in which Mr Choksi is named as an accused along with his nephew Nirav Modi, Ami Modi, and Nishal Modi. A separate FIR against him and his company, Gitanjali group, had also been registered by the agency. The agency had again asked him to join the investigation, on March 16, through an email dated March 13.

“I reiterate that I’m abroad and have responded to your notices earlier as well. Surprisingly, the issues raised have remained unaddressed, making my fear of safety rise to extreme levels,” he said.

The jeweller, who had left the country before PNB (Punjab National Bank) approached the CBI with complaints against him and Nirav Modi, said that the media continued to conduct a trial on its own, blowing each and every issue out of proportion.

“I had earlier expressed my apprehension and concern for my family and my safety. The threat to me and my family continues, and I am still being threatened by individuals with whom I had business relations. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of my business, my employees; customers; creditors; etc. have started to show animosity towards me,” he claimed.