There is no clear evidence of Choksi’s kidnapping: PM Antigua.

Image-of-Mehul-Choksi.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, stated on Tuesday that he is unaware of any proof proving that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi was kidnapped and brought to Dominica.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, stated on Tuesday that he is unaware of any proof proving that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi was kidnapped and brought to Dominica.

MPs peppered PM Browne with questions on Mehul Choksi in parliament.

Browne said, “I’m not aware of evidence, but there’s information in the public domain that Mehul Choksi was abducted.” When asked if he or the Minister of National Security were aware, or if any other investigative body had found any evidence that Mehul Choksi was taken to Dominica involuntarily, Browne said, “I’m not aware of evidence, but there’s information in the public domain that Mehul Choksi was abducted.”

“And I’m sure that law enforcement here would have done some investigation and may have certain persons of interest, but in terms of proof, I’m not aware of any such definitive evidence.”

“I am not aware that the sea vessel would have violated the state’s security; my understanding is that the vessel purportedly used to abduct MC got here legitimately…,” Browne stated in response to a question on the integrity of Antigua and Barbuda’s borders.

He further stated that when Mehul Choksi was reported missing, the royal Antigua and Barbuda police force sent the yellow alert to Interpol in the first instance in order to locate him. “It is widely known that across the Caribbean area, we have somewhat porous borders due to all of the numerous keys and beaches, and obviously, we do not have adequate resources, including people,”

“It is an area in which we continue to struggle, and we have received assistance from the US government and other foreign entities in order to help us create capacity in that area. But, admittedly, it is one of the weak points in which the Caribbean countries, you know, all have porous borders, “He said.

The administration is aggressively working with the Dominican authorities to get Choksi deported as soon as possible.

Choksi’s attorneys allege that he was abducted and did not travel to Dominica of his own volition.

The fugitive, 62, is wanted in India in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore scam at the Punjab National Bank (PNB).