Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they established contact with Nirav Modi, the key accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “There are certain legal processes which need to be completed in time. Following advises by the agencies we did suspend the passports of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. They are supposed to reply within a stipulated time, if they don’t, we will take further action.” Though Indian Government has not revealed any information about Modi’s whereabouts, there are rumours that Modi is hiding in a business tycoon Rashmi Mehta’s home in Belgium. Modi grew up in Belgium and his brother is believed to be living there.
On Friday last week, the Indian Government temporarily suspended the passports of Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi at the request of ED. The Indian Government further gave Modi and Choksi one week of time to respond back. Indian Government wanted their response on why their passports should not be impounded or revoked under the section 10 of the 1967 Passports Act.
Yesterday, Modi mailed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) saying he cannot appear before them as his passport has been suspended. The ED officials said Modi mailed them saying, “cannot depose before the agency now as my passport has been temporarily suspended.” It is said Modi was asked by the CBI to appear before them in Mumbai before the 26th of February.
