Central investigating agencies, which searched the premises of Hyderabad Gems SEZ in Maheswaram owned by Punjab National Bank fraud accused Mehul Choksi two days ago, roped in diamond industry professionals to assess the value of uncut stones and polished diamonds found inside its factory on Wednesday.
Sources said teams of officials continued to inspect the SEZ premises and brought in professionals to estimate the value of raw and polished diamonds.
“These diamonds were of different categories and hence have varied values. Since large reserves of diamonds were stored in the SEZ, valuation process is likely to take some more time,” an officer unwilling to be named said.
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Depending on the value, the diamonds were sealed in boxes and tagged accordingly. As the Hyderabad Gems SEZ was taken over by the probing agencies, employees were not allowed to work.
Close to 700 persons, including both skilled and unskilled labourers, were working in the SEZ.
“With the seizure of the SEZ, lives of the workers are in doldrums now,” said CITU Ranga Reddy president Dattu Naik.
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He urged the Government to take over the SEZ and come to the rescue of the workers who are likely to lose their jobs permanently.
“We are writing a letter to the SEZ Commissioner operating from Vizag to take stock of the situation and help the workers,” Mr. Naik said.