PNB Scam Case: Mehul Choksi attempts escape, fails in Dominica

New Delhi : Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond merchant in India, tried to make an escape from Dominica by boat, but failed as he was nabbed by the police officials in Cuba. He had gone missing earlier this week from the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The 62-year-old man is among the most wanted fraudsters in India.

His disappearance came at a time when India is trying to extradite him in a 14,000-crore fraud at India's second largest state owned bank.

According to a news report, the fugitive businessman made an escape via a boat and reached Dominica, where a lookout notice was issued. He was caught by the local police and is currently in their custody.

It has been learned that the process to hand him over to Antigua authorities is on. India's CBI and ED have also been informed that he has been nabbed.

Sources in the CBI said his attempt to flee will make their case stronger in Antiguan courts and they are confident that he would be in India sooner.

The island nation's Prime Minister Gaston Browne had said he had "no reliable information till date" that Mr Choksi fled the country. A hunt for him started after he was reported missing by a family member.

Prime Minister Browne had said Mr Choksi has two cases against him in Antigua courts -- extradition and revocation of citizenship. He had brought in a well-known lawyer from the UK which showed his willingness to stay and contest the cases.