“Lost every hope of life. It’s better if I die in Jail”, Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal pleads in the courtroom.
On January 7, 2024, Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, appeared in court with a broken spirit. He pleaded that he had “lost every hope of life.” He said being dead would be better than being alive. Read further to know the case details.
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Plead By Naresh Goyal
The special court session was held after a bail plea by Goyal filed last month.
During the court session, Goyal, 74, broke down and told the special court of his degrading physical and mental health conditions. He stated that various ailments, including heart issues, prostate complications, and orthopedic problems, were affecting his delicate health condition.
Furthermore, Naresh Goyal also mentioned his wife Anita’s deteriorating medical condition. She is currently in the advanced stage of cancer. As their only daughter was also experiencing health issues, no one was there to look after his bedridden wife.
Court’s Response To Naresh Goyal’s Appeal
After listening to Goyal, Special Judge M G Deshpande instructed his legal representatives to address his illness. The court also guaranteed that all aspects of his health would be attended to.
The special court heard took note of his appeal and assured Goyal that he would not be “left helpless”. “All possible care of his mental and physical health will be taken with proper treatment”, said Special Judge M G Deshpande.
ED Arrest and Case Details
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India, arrested Goyal in September 2023 in connection to the Canara Bank fraud case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Since then, Goyal has been in judicial custody at Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail.
Goyal’s family was also accused in the case. However, Goyal denied all the allegations and also said that none of his family members were involved.
The alleged fraud from Canara Bank’s loan amounts to $65.06 million. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said a consortium of banks gave Rs 5716.34 crore in public money. The State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) led the consortium.
As of now, properties worth 5.38 billion rupees (nearly $65 million) have been seized by the ED as a part of the probe.
According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Naresh Goyal has siphoned off public funds. He obtained the funds as business loans. He allegedly used the money for personal and family expenses. He even diverted the funds to subsidiary companies that had no business or income.
Future of The Case
Naresh Goyal’s emotional court appearance has brought a new shift in the case, highlighting his mental health issues. The court has given assurance of proper care to be taken. While his bail application is still pending, the next hearing is scheduled for January 16.