Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium Amid Extradition Battle
Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has been apprehended in Belgium, igniting a complex legal struggle over his potential extradition to India. Choksi’s legal team is gearing up to contest the extradition request, citing political motivations and concerns over his health.
Choksi’s Arrest and Legal Challenges
Mehul Choksi, the diamond merchant wanted in India for allegedly defrauding Punjab National Bank of approximately ₹14,000 crore, was arrested in Belgium on Saturday. His capture comes after years of evading Indian authorities, during which he acquired citizenship in Antigua. As Indian investigative agencies work towards his extradition, Choksi’s legal representatives have already initiated preparations to challenge the request.
Vijay Aggarwal, Choksi’s lawyer, emphasized that the defense will focus on two main arguments: the political nature of the case and serious concerns regarding Choksi’s health and the conditions in Indian prisons. Aggarwal stated, “His human rights will be greatly affected,” highlighting the potential risks Choksi could face if extradited. Currently, Choksi is in custody in Belgium, and his legal team is expected to file an appeal to contest his detention while the extradition process unfolds.
Health Concerns and Legal Strategy
Choksi’s defense team has raised alarms about his deteriorating health, claiming he is undergoing treatment for cancer and suffers from the aftereffects of a previous alleged kidnapping. Aggarwal noted that Choksi is not a flight risk due to his serious medical conditions, which include PTSD and physical deformities resulting from past trauma.
The lawyer stressed that Choksi’s health issues prevent him from traveling, asserting that he has always been willing to cooperate with Indian authorities through virtual means. “We have always maintained that he is ready to join, but because of his medical condition, he cannot travel,” Aggarwal explained. This argument could significantly impact the extradition proceedings, as it raises questions about the appropriateness of extraditing someone in such a fragile state.
Legal Status and Extradition Implications
Choksi’s legal team contends that he has “never been declared a fugitive” under Indian law, a distinction they believe could weaken the extradition request. Aggarwal pointed out that multiple applications have been submitted to allow Choksi to cooperate with investigations remotely, given his health constraints.
As the legal battle unfolds, Choksi remains in custody in Belgium. His defense is expected to act swiftly to ensure he is not kept in detention during the legal proceedings. The arguments presented by his legal team may pose significant hurdles for Indian investigative agencies as they pursue his extradition.
Background and Context
Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating one of India’s largest banking frauds. He fled India in January 2018, shortly before the allegations surfaced, and has since lived in Antigua. His recent arrest in Belgium has rekindled hopes for justice in a case that has drawn significant public and media attention. However, the path to extradition appears fraught with legal complexities, particularly given Choksi’s health issues and the arguments his defense is poised to present.
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