Mehul Choksi To Challenge Extradition In Belgium
Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond trader, was arrested in Belgium on April 12, 2025, at the request of Indian authorities, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), over his involvement in the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. Choksi, who had been residing in Belgium for medical treatment, is expected to challenge his extradition to India, citing several grounds:
Health Conditions: Choksi’s legal team plans to appeal for bail and challenge extradition on the grounds of his ongoing cancer treatment, arguing that his health condition makes him unfit for travel.
Inhuman Conditions in Indian Prisons: His lawyer has also indicated that they will argue against extradition due to alleged inhuman conditions in Indian prisons.
Past Allegations: Choksi may raise allegations of a past “kidnapping attempt” by Indian operatives in Antigua as part of his legal defense.
Political Case: His lawyer has described the case as “political,” which may be used as another argument against extradition.
Despite these challenges, Indian authorities are hopeful that even if Choksi is granted bail, he will not be allowed to return to Antigua, and they are exploring deportation as an alternative route to bring him back to India.
