Centre Provides Assurances to Belgium Over Mehul Choksi’s Extradition.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent a formal letter to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice providing assurances regarding the conditions under which fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi would be held if extradited to India. Choksi is a key accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
The assurances address human rights concerns raised during the extradition proceedings and were prepared in consultation with the Maharashtra government. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April 2025 following India’s formal request. He and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are primary accused in the PNB fraud, and Choksi is reportedly wanted in other bank fraud cases as well.
MHA Assurances Include:
Detention at Barrack 12, Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, with a minimum of 3 sq. metres personal space per cell.
Basic facilities: clean bedding, proper ventilation, lighting, storage for personal belongings, access to clean water, medical care, toilet and washing facilities.
Permission for exercise and recreation and provision of adequate food throughout detention.
Extradition Concerns:
Choksi’s defence has opposed extradition citing the politically motivated nature of the case and potential medical and human rights issues. They highlighted that he has cooperated with investigations via video conferencing and previously received cancer treatment in Antigua.
Choksi faces charges under the IPC (criminal conspiracy, cheating, falsification of accounts) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, all offences recognised under Belgian law, enabling application of the dual criminality clause. The CBI has also cited UN conventions against corruption and transnational organised crime to strengthen the extradition request.
Comments are closed.