ugc_banner

Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is security threat to India

Reuters
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Mar 08, 2018, 10:19 AM IST
main img
File photo of Mehul Choksi Photograph:(Zee News Network)

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds.

In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem. 

''I'm not in a position to travel due to my persisting health problem. I had a cardiac procedure which was conducted in the first week of February 2018 and there is still pending work to be done on the same,'' he stated in his written reply to the CBI.

×

Choksi has also asked ''how he is a security threat to India''. 

''As my Passport stands suspended. I further wish to point out that the RPO Mumbai has not given me any explanation as to why my Passport has been suspended and as to how I am a security threat to India,'' he noted in his response.

×

Stating that various media reports have media of reports have tarnished his image, he said right to life and right to fair trial are quintessential fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. ''The various news reports and publications against me violate those rights. I have got a sense from the different reports and publication that there is great unfairness which is prevalent against me and I would not get a fair treatment and a fair trial,'' he stated in his reply.

The media is conducting a trial by itself and is blowing each and every issue out of proportion and is exaggerating allegations and this has left me completely defenceless, especially as my Passport has been suspended, without due process, he noted. 

'I had expressed my apprehension for my family’s and my safety. I wish to bring to your attention that I am being threatened by individuals with whom I have a business relationship. As there has been a complete and sudden closure of business, my employees, customers, creditors etc have started to show their animosity towards me,'' he stated in the letter. 

He also said that he was concerned about his health and well-being and added that in case he was arrested, he would not be able to get proper health care and would be provided treatment only in a Government Hospital.