Non-bailable warrant may be issued against duo

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to move for a non-bailable warrant against diamond trader Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi after they failed to honour the agency’s summons. After the Punjab National Bank approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the ED also began an investigation into the money laundering angle of the case.

Meanwhile, Choksi’s lawyer Sanjay Abbot said that he has informed the ED, via an email, that his client cannot appear before the agency as his passport has been cancelled. He alleged that the move to ask Choksi to approach the nearest embassy was a trap to arrest him. “We never received any summons from ED till date. The reply was sent based on media reports. About approaching the nearest embassy, that is done only if a person misplaces his passport. In case of a revocation, the person is immediately taken into custody and is deported if the embassy is approached,” said Mr Abbot.  

The agency had summoned the duo for questioning. However, they haven’t appeared before the agency till date.