Jet Airways’ founder Naresh Goyal, currently in judicial custody at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail over an alleged ₹538 crore fraud at Canara Bank, emotionally expressed his anguish in court on Saturday. Goyal, 74, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in September last year, tearfully conveyed his distress, stating that he has “lost every hope of life” and suggested that it might be better for him to die in jail rather than endure his present circumstances.
His emotional plea was accompanied by a heartbreaking account of missing his wife Anita, who is battling an advanced stage of cancer. Goyal, in a fragile health state himself, lamented his deteriorating condition and his wife’s illness. The court records reflect Goyal’s assertion of his physical weakness and the challenging situation, noting that he requires assistance even to stand.
Revealing his physical ailments, Goyal informed the court about severe pain during urination and instances of passing blood through urine. He highlighted his weakened state, citing swollen knees and an inability to fold his legs. Despite his deteriorating health, Goyal expressed skepticism about seeking medical assistance at Mumbai’s JJ Hospital.
The circumstances leading to Goyal’s arrest trace back to July 20, when the ED conducted raids on him and his associates based on an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Jet Airways India Limited. The FIR implicated Goyal, his wife Anita, ex-company executive G Shetty, and unknown public servants following Canara Bank’s complaint.
Canara Bank’s allegations revolve around sanctioned credit limits and loans amounting to ₹848.86 crore provided to Jet Airways, with ₹538.62 crore outstanding. The bank’s complaint, supported by a forensic audit, contends that Jet Airways diverted funds by paying “related companies” ₹1,410.41 crore under the guise of commission expenses.
Amid the legal proceedings and the weight of the alleged financial irregularities, Goyal’s emotional plea in court sheds light on the personal and health-related turmoil he faces, compounding the challenges he confronts in the ongoing legal battle.
Sources By Agencies
