Surat, 13 May 2013

India’s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday told media persons in Surat that during his recent China visit, he discussed the issue of diamond traders who are jailed in China with Chinese authority.

21 diamond traders from Hong Kong, Surat and Mumbai were arrested by Chinese authority on 8 January 2010. Most of them were Gujaratis. 15 of them were released on 7 December 2012, while others were given three to six years of imprisonment.

Salman Khurshid said, “European union has released two accused in similar case. The Government of India has asked Chinese authorities to free six Indian diamond traders on same line. Indian ambassador in China is handling the issue, and China Government has promised to study the case for its solution.

Who are in Chinese jail?
Rishit Shah: 3 year 6 month jail
Rajesh Babubhai Bavishi: Five years and fine
Amit Soni: Five years and fine
Rajesh Jain: Six years and fine

Rishit Shah’s jail term will end soon, while other two traders will have to spend one and half year in jail. Rajesh Jain will need to spend two and half years in jail.