After fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court stating that he left India for medical treatment not to avoid prosecution and that he would return as soon as he becomes medically fit to travel, the High Court has directed his lawyers to submit the medical papers of his health condition by next Monday to be examined by a team of specialists.
A team of specialists to give a report to Bombay HC on the present health condition of Mehul Choksi to ascertain whether he is fit for air travel. Choksi’s lawyers directed to submit his latest medical reports to team by Monday, the team will file its report to court on 9th July. pic.twitter.com/hlfb7gKSpN
— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2019
His medical reports will be sent to JJ hospital in Mumbai where a team of experts led by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will verify the reports and will determine whether he is fit for travelling or not. Choksi who is an accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam had stated in his affidavit that the ED and the CBI could interrogate him in Antigua where he is currently residing. “I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation. If the court may deem fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua”, his affidavit read.
The ED termed Choksi’s claims as a facade to delay the legal proceedings. The agency had informed the court that it is willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Choksi back to India and provide him with all the necessary medical treatment.
The team of experts will submit the final report before the Court on July 9 before the next hearing of the case which is scheduled for July 10.
Next hearing in the matter on 10th July in the Bombay High Court https://t.co/kf2UFDfJ7F
— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2019
Choksi has surrendered his Indian citizenship and handed over his Indian passport to Indian High Commission in Antigua. There were reports last year that he had taken Antiguan citizenship.
