The Central Bureau of Investigation, through the Ministry of External Affairs, has informed the Antiguan authorities that an Interpol Red Notice is not a mandatory requirement for initiating extradition proceedings against the “mastermind” of the Punjab National Bank fraud, Mehul Choksi.
In response to Antigua’s assertion that no Red Notice had been issued against diamantaire Choksi and therefore, action could not be initiated against him, the agency has said that the Notice’s primary purpose is to locate the wanted person and detain him. “In Choksi’s case, his whereabouts are known,” said an official.
Two passports
Antigua has confirmed to have granted citizenship to Choksi in November last year. He was also issued an Antiguan passport, despite the fact that he already carried an Indian passport and was an Indian citizen.
The fugitive diamond merchant has petitioned the Interpol urging that the Red Notice be not issued against him as the charges against him were “politically motivated”. He has also raised the issue of conditions of Indian prisons, saying they violate human rights. The Interpol sought a response from the CBI on Choksi’s plea, to which the agency has sent the denials. The businessman had flown out of the country in the first week of January, days before the scam was unearthed.
