Prime Minister’s Office was aware of Nirav Modi’s fraud: Congress

New Delhi | The Congress Party on Tuesday alleged that the Prime Minister Office (PMO) was aware of the was aware of the Nirav Modi’s fraud and yet no actions were taken against them.

Addressing a press conference Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “By Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s answers in Parliament and facts it is clear that PM Office was aware of the Nirav Modi’s fraud yet, no action was taken between 7th May 2015(when the complaint was first registered), and 1st March 2018”.

The Congress leader further alleged that Nirav Modi absconded from the country on 4th January 2018, but the first action taken by the government against them was on 1st March 2018, in order to give them abundant time to flee.

Criticising PM Modi over his relation with Mehul Choksi, Surjewala said, “Mehul Choksi is addressed as Mehul ‘Bhai’ by PM Modi. Between May & June 2017, Antigua government received a clean-chit for Mehul Choksi from CBI & SEBI. In Nov 2017, he receives Antiguan citizenship and on January 2018.” Surjewala furhter alleged that “After Mehul Choksi flees with public money, MEA writes to him on 16th Feb 2018, stating that his Indian passport is suspended.”

Surjewala further stated that according to the CIU of Antiguan government Mehul Choksi was given Antiguan citizenship because MEA India gave a clearance of criminal record on Mr. Choksi.

“Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, in 2016, had set up a fraud monitoring cell and sent a list of high profile cases to the PMO urging action. He indicted the PMO but no action was taken,” said the Congress leader. Attacking PM Modi Surjewala alleged that “The list contained Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi’s names too. But no action was taken against any of the people in the list. This shows complicity from PM Modi.”