New Delhi, Dec 13 (NIE): The Interpol Thursday issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, six months after the CBI sent a request to the international organisation in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case. The Interpol has already issued an RCN against Choksi’s nephew Nirav Modi and a few other associates.

Earlier, Choksi had challenged the CBI’s request, citing the poor condition of Indian jails, which he said violated “human rights conditions”.

Choksi also sought cancellation of the non-bailable warrant issued against him, claiming there was a threat to his life. He also cited “the recent trend of mob lynching” due to which he couldn’t travel to India.

The CBI in its reply to Interpol assured that Choksi was an “economic offender”, and would be provided with the necessary protection.

A five-member Interpol committee court, called the Commission for Control of Files, was set up to decide on CBI’s request.

Earlier this year, the ED had moved applications before a special court in Mumbai seeking confiscation of the attached assets of Choksi under the recently promulgated Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance.