PNB Scam accused Mehul Choksi scared of mob lynching on return to India

One of the key accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, Mehul Choksi, on Monday moved to a special court in Mumbai seeking cancellation of non-bailable warrants issued against him. Choksi cited fear of mob lynching if he was brought to India.

"There have been various cases of mob lynching in India. This recent trend of mob lynching and general public giving justice on the road is growing. Even the applicant faces a similar threat as there are several persons who have grievances and anger against him (Choksi)," the application moved by Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, stated.

There has been a sharp rise in the cases of mob lynching in India for last three-four years. The issue was even taken up by the Supreme Court which observed that the rise in “mobocracy” in India was harming the social fabric of the country, thus, needed strong action from the states.

The apex court even urged Parliament to look into the possibilities of bringing a new law on mob lynching and punish the offenders.

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The application moved before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai by his advocate claimed that Choksi never shied away from the investigation and responded to all the communication he received from the investigating agencies.

“Choksi’s ill health, the revocation of his passport and threat to his life are the main circumstances why he is unable to travel to India,” the application added.

Earlier in January this year, the PNB bank had detected a multi-crore scam, wherein diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Choksi allegedly cheated the state-run lender to the tune of Rs 13,400 crore.

Both Choksi and Modi fled the country days before the scam was announced by the PNB bank authorities. Since then, the authorities are trying to nab the absconding businessman.