New Delhi: The home ministry had constituted a panel to look into the issue of Indian passport holders obtaining duel citizenship as has been the case of Choksi.
The panel subsequently formed a sub-group under Financial Services secretary Rajiv Kumar to look at the misuse of Indian Passport and duel citizenship issue.
After thorough examination, the panel headed by the Secretary suggested amendment in the Passport Act to deal with the willful defaulters and fraudsters fleeing the country, sources said.
These recommendations assume significance in view of reports of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi moving to Antigua, an island nation in the West Indies, from the US and getting a local passport of the Caribbean country.
Choksi, involved in over $ 2 billion scam in Punjab National Bank, is believed to have acquired the citizenship of Antigua last year.
There are cases wherein an individual may be in possession of passport of two countries, sources said, adding, it becomes very difficult for authorities in India to deal with them.
Various suggestions were given including renunciation of Indian citizenship. Other members of the high-level panel include representatives from Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau, and Reserve Bank of India.
Besides, senior officials of the home ministry and ministry of external affairs are part of
the committee.
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