Saturday, March 29, 2025
India Prepares for Mehul Choksi’s Extradition, Assures Belgium of Jail Facilities
The Government of India has intensified efforts to bring back Mehul Choksi, the prime accused in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. In a formal communication to Belgium, India has assured that Choksi will be provided with all necessary facilities if extradited, countering claims by his lawyers that he is suffering from a serious illness like cancer.
According to the Home Ministry’s letter, Choksi will be lodged in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. The Indian government detailed the conditions and facilities he would receive, including:
Residential Facilities: A wooden cot with a cotton mattress, pillow, bed sheet, and blanket.
Health and Hygiene: Round-the-clock medical care, proper sanitation, and regular cleaning.
Other Amenities: Safe drinking water, adequate ventilation and lighting, along with an hour of daily outdoor exercise and walking privileges.
Earlier in August, a Belgian appellate court had rejected Choksi’s bail plea, accepting the CBI’s argument that he posed a flight risk and could escape to another country to evade justice. Choksi had been arrested in Belgium in April this year following a request by Indian agencies.
The crucial hearing on Choksi’s extradition is expected to take place in mid-September in a Belgian court, where India’s assurances on his detention conditions will be a key factor.
