Mehul Choksi replies to questions from CBI

In a two-page March 16-dated letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, co-accused in the Rs 127 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, Choksi denied he was a partner of Diamond R US, Stellar Diamond, and Solar Exports. Reiterating that it was "impossible" for him to return to India, Choksi said his health condition was not conducive and that his passport remained suspended. "Till date, the Regional Passport Office (in Mumbai) hasn't communicated with me and my passport remains suspended. I have the deepest respect for your offices and assure you that I am not making any excuse, whatsoever, to travel to India," he said.