Mehul Choksi moved a fresh application seeking cancellation of a non-bailable warrant against him in Mumbai on Friday, March 22. Choksi cited ailment and risk to his life as reasons for the cancellation.
The court has adjourned the matter for April 9 for arguments.
The timing of his application is bound to raise eyebrows, as it comes three days after his nephew Nirav Modi was arrested in London. Both have been accused in the Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan default case.
Also Read: Nirav Modi Arrested in UK; Court Remands Him in Custody Till March 29
The News Minute reported that in the application submitted to a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, Choksi’s lawyer Sanjay Abbot said the jeweller has had a long history of heart ailments aside from a blood clot in the brain. Choksi’s previous worries about his safety were also mentioned in the application.
As per reports, Choksi’s lawyer submitted a detailed medical history citing the ailments that deterred him from returning to India.
The News Minute reported that his counsel also placed 38 documents on record, including the latest prescriptions in which doctors recommend that Choksi should remain under continuous medical supervision in Antigua and should avoid travelling as his medical condition may deteriorate.
On May 22, 2018, after taking cognisance of the second chargesheet, the special court had issued the non-bailable warrant against Choksi, owner of Gitanjali Group. As per reports, Choksi’s move comes two days after the investigation agencies said that extradition process against him had begun in Antigua, where he has taken citizenship. Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi are accused of colluding with bankers to secure credit from overseas banks using fraudulent guarantees. Both have denied the allegations and have moved abroad to escape legal repercussions.
Also read: PM Modi Thanks ‘Nirav Modi’ For Joining ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ Movement