Editor’s Note
An Antwerp court has approved the extradition of Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the PNB fraud case, marking a significant development in India’s efforts to bring him to justice.
News Desk, Amar Ujala, New Delhi
Fugitive diamond trader and accused in the PNB scam, Mehul Choksi, has been dealt a major blow. An Antwerp court has approved his extradition. The court stated that the demand from Indian agencies is valid and the arrest made by Belgian police was legally sound.
An Antwerp court on Friday (October 17) approved the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi. Officials stated that this order provides strong recognition to India’s case for his extradition, as Choksi has the option to appeal this decision in a higher court in Belgium.
The Antwerp court clearly stated that the demand from Indian agencies is valid and the arrest made by Belgian police was legally sound. With the court’s decision, Indian agencies CBI and ED have achieved a major legal victory. However, Choksi’s lawyers have stated in court that they will appeal this decision in a higher court. Therefore, Choksi will not be sent to India immediately for now.
said a senior official.
Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and CBI helped prosecutors in Belgium present strong arguments regarding the alleged crime of Choksi, in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi, of committing a 13,000 crore rupee scam in Punjab National Bank. Officials stated that the prosecutors informed the court that the risk of him absconding remains and he cannot be released from jail.