Editor’s Note
India has escalated efforts to extradite Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-billion dollar PNB fraud case, by providing Belgian authorities with details of his potential incarceration at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail.
Preparations are underway to bring fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, accused in the ₹13,850 crore PNB scam, to India. For this purpose, India has handed over official photographs of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail to Belgian authorities. Therefore, Arthur Road Jail could soon become Mehul’s new address.
The Belgian court has recognized diamond trader and Punjab National Bank scam accused Mehul Choksi as a foreign national. The court stated that there is no legal impediment to his extradition to India. The court noted that serious charges have been leveled against Mehul. Mehul Choksi will be kept in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail in India, information about which has been provided to Belgian authorities. Indian officials have also handed over photographs of Arthur Road Jail to Belgian authorities.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the Belgian court ruled that the crimes alleged against Choksi are extraditable under the laws of both India and Belgium. Following this, it is being said that Mehul Choksi’s extradition is likely. India assured the Belgian court that Mehul Choksi would be kept in humane conditions. This was done because Mehul Choksi had claimed he faced the risk of political persecution and inhuman treatment in India. However, the court said there was no evidence that he would be tortured or subjected to unfair trials in India.
According to media reports, Choksi will be kept in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. This is the same high-security jail where 26/11 attack terrorist Ajmal Kasab was once held. The report states that the barrack will have two rooms. It also has an attached toilet. Choksi will only be brought out of jail for medical reasons or court appearances. Choksi will be under the authority of the court, not the monitoring investigation agency. India has assured the Belgian court that all human rights standards and medical facilities are available in the jail.
Belgian police had arrested Mehul Choksi, accused in the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case, on April 12 this year, based on an extradition appeal by Indian investigative agencies. He is currently in jail. Choksi is accused of a ₹13,850 crore scam. Mehul was living with his wife Preeti Choksi, who has obtained Belgian citizenship.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed about Choksi’s presence. At the time of arrest, Mehul Choksi was trying to flee from Belgium to Switzerland. Police cited two arrest warrants while arresting Choksi. These were issued by a Mumbai court on May 23, 2018, and June 15, 2021.