Mehul Choksi Extradition: Centre Sends Assurances To Belgium Govt After Rights Concerns
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent a letter to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice providing assurances regarding the conditions under which fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore rupee Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, would be held if extradited to India.
The letter comes amid Choksi’s rights concerns, and details specific material, medical, and procedural safeguards intended to address human rights concerns raised during the extradition proceedings.
These assurances were formulated in consultation with the Maharashtra government to ensure that Choksi’s rights are protected while complying with extradition protocols.
Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April following a formal request from Indian authorities.
He and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are the primary accused in the PNB fraud case, which involves fraudulent transactions.
In addition to this case, Choksi is reportedly wanted in connection with several other unrelated bank fraud investigations.
MEHUL CHOKSI’s EXTRADITION: THE MHA’s ASSURANCES
In the letter dated September 4, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that “Choksi will be held at the Barrack number 12, Arthur Road jail complex in Mumbai, if extradited.”
“Mehul Choksi will be kept in a cell in which he will get a minimum of 3 square metres of personal space (not including furniture) throughout the period of his prospective detention in case he is found guilty,” the letter mentioned.
“The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” it mentioned.
“Adequate light and ventilation, and storage for permissible personal belongings are available,” the letter stated.
“Mehul Choksi will have sufficient access to a clean drinking water supply each day and adequate medical facilities are available round the clock.”
“Mehul Choksi will have access to adequate toilet and washing facilities each day,” it stated.
“Mehul Choksi will be permitted out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a reasonable amount of time each day,” it stated.
“He will receive adequate food throughout his detention period,” the MHA’s assurance letter read.
CONCERNS OVER MEHUL CHOKSI’s EXTRADITION
At a press conference earlier in Delhi, Aggarwal outlined the defence’s strategy to oppose Choksi’s extradition to India on two primary grounds, the politically motivated nature of the case, and concerns over Choksi’s medical treatment in India.
He argued that extradition could violate Choksi’s human rights due to inadequate healthcare and potential political harassment.
Aggarwal emphasised that Choksi has not been officially declared a fugitive and has cooperated with Indian investigative agencies.
He noted that Choksi has repeatedly offered to participate in investigations via video conferencing, citing his inability to travel due to health issues.
The defence also highlighted procedural requirements for extradition, including the issuance of non-bailable warrants dating back to 2018.
Aggarwal referenced earlier failed extradition attempts from Dominica and noted that Choksi had been receiving cancer treatment in Antigua before travelling to Belgium.
Choksi faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and falsification of accounts, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
These offences are also recognised as crimes under Belgian law, thereby enabling the application of the dual criminality clause of the extradition treaty in India’s request for his extradition.
Additionally, the CBI has cited the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to strengthen its extradition plea.
