Mehul Choksi's Extradition to be Raised by Sushma Swaraj in Meeting With Antigua Foreign Minister
Based on New Delhi's complaint, the Interpol has already issued red-corner notice against Choksi, who is accused of defrauding the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs 13,800 crore
New York, Sept 26: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will take up the issue of loan-fraud accused Mehul Choksi's extradition in her meeting with Antiguan counterpart EP Chet Greene. The two foreign ministers are scheduled to meet today on sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Based on New Delhi's complaint, the Interpol has already issued red-corner notice against Choksi, who is accused of defrauding the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs 13,800 crore. Choksi's nephew and fellow diamantaire Nirav Modi is co-accused in the alleged fraudery case. Mehul Choksi Claims 'Threat to Life' in India, Moves Court Seeking Cancellation of Non-Bailable Warrant.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had, in the last month, used diplomatic channels to communicate with Antigua on the row involving Choksi.
Earlier in September, Choksi had released a video from Antigua refuting the charges levelled against him by the Indian agencies. The Gitanjali Gems chief said he is being fraudulently framed in the loan-fraud case, adding that his assets have been "illegally confiscated" by the Enforcement Directorate.
"My bank accounts were frozen, my merchandise was taken, my server was taken, all within one week’s time. Before I came back from the hospital, nobody was working for my company," Choksi said, adding that he is facing an unprecedented "kind of terror".
The noted jeweller also denied any possibilities of returning to India, claiming that his life is under threat in the nation. The point was reiterated by his counsel before the Special CBI Court in Mumbai, citing news channel debates where panelists said Choksi should be assassinated.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2018 11:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).