Editor’s Note
A Belgian court has cleared the way for the extradition of Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,000 crore PNB fraud case, marking a major step in India’s efforts to bring him to trial.
A court in Antwerp, Belgium, has approved the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India. This development is being seen as a significant victory for India. Mehul is accused of conspiring to commit a ₹13,000 crore fraud at Punjab National Bank (PNB). In this context, the question on people’s minds is what will ultimately happen to this 66-year-old diamond trader, Choksi. However, following this court order, the likelihood of Choksi coming to India has increased considerably.
The court’s order has dealt a major blow to the fugitive businessman. Choksi is wanted in the ₹13,000 crore PNB bank fraud case, allegedly in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi. He is also facing extradition proceedings. Choksi is currently imprisoned in a London jail.
The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged that out of the total ₹13,000 crore, Choksi alone was involved in siphoning off ₹6,400 crore. During the extradition proceedings in Belgian courts, India presented evidence of Choksi’s fraud, money manipulation, and his repeated attempts to evade legal process. In addition, the CBI sent its team at least three times. A private European law firm was also appointed.
The Indian government has also assured Belgium that if Choksi is extradited to India, he will be kept in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, which is compliant with the European CPT (Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment). Choksi will be provided with clean drinking water, adequate food and medical facilities, newspapers, and TV. Furthermore, all facilities, including the option of treatment by a private doctor, will be provided. He will not face solitary confinement.
Choksi’s citizenship was a contentious issue. He claims that after acquiring Antiguan citizenship in November 2017, he renounced his Indian citizenship on December 14, 2018. India contests this and insists that he is an Indian citizen and therefore can be extradited. According to an official familiar with the case, Mehul Choksi still has the option to appeal against the decision in the High Court.
