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Synopsis

On Friday, Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal broke down in the Special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) Court in Mumbai and urged the judge not to provide him with any medical assistance, expressing that he has lost all hope in life and would prefer to die inside the jail.

Naresh Goyal is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case filed against him.

When Goyal was presented before the Special PMLA Court, he requested to make submissions to the court personally. He stated that his health is very poor and precarious, and mentioned that his wife is bedridden while his only daughter also has health issues.

Goyal informed the court that he is unable to fold both legs and is experiencing significant knee pain due to swelling.

Additionally, he submitted that he frequently needs to rush to the washroom for urination. Nowadays, he is facing severe pain while passing urine, and at times, there is the presence of blood coupled with unsustainable pain.

He urged the judge not to take him to JJ Hospital as it is very troublesome, hectic, and tedious, which he cannot bear and sustain.

Goyal added that whenever he is taken to J.J. Hospital, there is always a long queue of patients, and he cannot reach the doctor in time. Furthermore, whenever he is examined by the doctor, further follow-up is not possible.

“Don’t send him to J.J. Hospital and allow him to die in the jail itself. Now, he has lost every hope of life and better he should die rather keeping him alive in such situation” Judge MG Despande recorded.

Goyal submitted that he is entering the age of 75 years, and he has no hope for any future. He expressed that it would be better if he died in jail, and his destiny would rescue him.

However, the Special Court recorded that Goyal will not be left helpless, and all possible care of his mental and physical health will be taken with proper treatment.

Goyal stands accused of money laundering involving a loan of Rs. 538 crores obtained from Canara Bank. Naresh Goyal is accused of diverting funds borrowed from Canara Bank to his family members in the form of salaries.

The ED initiated proceedings against Goyal based on an FIR filed by the CBI, which was prompted by a complaint lodged by Canara Bank.

The bank's complaint was filed following an external audit conducted for the period spanning 2011 to 2019.

In November 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected habeas corpus petition filed by Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal, challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

The Special PMLA Court will now hear the bail plea on January 16.

Case title: Naresh Goyal vs ED.