NEW DELHI: Dominica has dropped illegal entry charges against fugitive Indian Diamantaire Mehul Choksi.
Choksi is wanted in India over the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud of over Rs 13,000 crore.
In a letter to the Magistrate of Judicial District “E” dated May 17, Dominica’s Chief Prosecutor writes that the case against Choksi for entering the country illegally will be dropped on May 24, 2021.
Choksi had been in Antigua and Barbuda since fleeing India after his name appeared in the PNB scam. Choksi was granted Antigua citizenship in 2017, but the island’s government challenged this, resulting in the matter ending up in court.
Choksi is wanted in India over the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud of over Rs 13,000 crore.
In a letter to the Magistrate of Judicial District “E” dated May 17, Dominica’s Chief Prosecutor writes that the case against Choksi for entering the country illegally will be dropped on May 24, 2021.
Choksi had been in Antigua and Barbuda since fleeing India after his name appeared in the PNB scam. Choksi was granted Antigua citizenship in 2017, but the island’s government challenged this, resulting in the matter ending up in court.
He was arrested in Dominica after mysteriously disappearing from Antigua in May 2021 and charged with illegal entry. Choksi then accused “Indian agents” of the kidnapping and forcibly took him to Dominica.
“Choksi is pleased that the Dominican government today dropped all charges against him for entering the country illegally in May 2021. She now acknowledges that there was never a case against him. Choksi hopes those responsible for his kidnapping from Antigua on May 23, 2021 will be brought to justice,” his spokesman said in a statement after illegal entry fees were dropped.
Nirav Modi, a co-defendant in the PNB fraud, is now in a UK prison.
India is trying to extradite both Modi and Choksi to face trial in the country.
