Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, an accused in the alleged Rs 538 crore fraud at Canara Bank, expressed his sentiments before a special court in Mumbai on Saturday.
Goyal, currently in judicial custody at Arthur Road jail, conveyed with "folded hands" that he had "lost every hope of life" and that it would be "better if he dies in jail" than continuing in his present condition.
During the proceedings, Goyal, turning teary-eyed, mentioned missing his wife Anita, who is in the advanced stage of cancer, according to court records.
The septuagenarian was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on September 1 last year in connection with the alleged bank fraud and moved a bail application before special judge M G Desphande.
Goyal, presented before the court, requested a few minutes of personal hearing, which the judge allowed. With "continuous tremors in his whole body," Goyal stated that "his health is very bad and precarious," emphasizing that his wife is bedridden, and their only daughter is also unwell. Goyal pointed out the limitations of jail staff in assisting him.
"I heard him patiently, and also observed him when he made the submissions as such. I found that his whole body was trembling. He needs assistance even to stand," noted the judge.
Goyal highlighted swollen and painful knees, difficulty in folding his legs, and severe pain while urinating. He expressed concerns about the troublesome journey to J J Hospital and the challenges faced in seeking timely medical assistance.
Goyal conveyed that these health issues are "very badly affecting his health." Despite his wife's advanced stage of cancer and ongoing treatment, Goyal, with tears in his eyes, stated that there is no one to look after her as his only daughter is also suffering from health issues.
He requested the court not to send him to J J Hospital and instead "allow him to die in jail itself."
Goyal, expressing despair, said, "he has lost every hope of life, and (it’s) better he should die rather than be alive in such a situation." Turning 75 soon, Goyal claimed to have no hope for the future, emphasizing that it's "better if he dies in jail, his destiny would rescue him."
Goyal also submitted that his health doesn't permit him to attend court personally, but this time insisted on being produced before the court to share everything personally.
The judge assured Goyal that he would not be left helpless, and proper care of his mental and physical health would be taken care of.
The court directed Goyal's lawyers to take appropriate steps concerning his health. In his bail plea, Goyal cited multiple medical ailments, and the ED filed a response to be further heard on January 16.
The ED case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act stems from a CBI FIR against Jet Airways, Goyal, his wife Anita, and former company executives in connection with an alleged fraud of Rs 538 crore at Canara Bank. The FIR was based on the bank's complaint, alleging sanctioning credit and loans worth Rs 848.86 crore to Jet Airways, of which Rs 538.62 crore was outstanding.
