‘Extradition request unaffected’: CBI after Interpol removes red notice against Mehul Choksi

India has initiated extradition proceedings against the PNB fraud case accused in the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda, whose citizenship he acquired in 2017.

Published on: Mar 21, 2023, 15:27:37 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Tuesday India's request to extradite Mehul Choksi continues to be under ‘active consideration’ of the Antigua and Barbuda authorities, with the agency's statement coming a day after it came to light that Interpol has removed its red notice against the fugitive diamantaire.

Since 2017, Mehul Choksi has been a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda (File Photo)

Also Read | Interpol revokes red notice against Choksi

“The extradition request remains fully unimpacted by Red Notice-related communications with Interpol,” the CBI said in a statement, according to ANI.

Terming Interpol's decision as ‘faulty,’ the CBI further said it will exercise available remedial and appellate options within the international police organisation to get Choksi's red notice restored.

The agency further noted that Choksi, who is wanted in India in connection with the PNB fraud case and who acquired Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship in 2017, was located in the Caribbean island long before Interpol, in December 2018, put him on its red corner list, as requested by both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Interpol's move means the former Indian national can travel out of Antigua and Barbuda, freely. In India, meanwhile, prime minister Narendra Modi's government has come under fire from the opposition over its failure to bring back Choksi, and the removal of his name from the Interpol list.

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