India Provides Belgium with Sovereign Assurance on Detention Conditions for Mehul Choksi
In a significant move to secure the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, India has given a formal assurance to Belgian authorities regarding his future detention conditions. The Ministry of Home Affairs detailed that if extradited for his role in the PNB fraud case, Choksi would be held in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail with specific guarantees of personal space, medical care, legal access, and security. This sovereign commitment aims to address human rights concerns and advance the long-pending extradition proceedings.
Unpacked:
The PNB fraud case involved Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi fraudulently obtaining Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) worth over ₹13,500 crore from Punjab National Bank, with the help of colluding bank officials. The scam triggered major banking reforms and led to criminal charges against Choksi, Modi, and several others.
Belgium became involved because Mehul Choksi was arrested there following India's extradition request. Although he previously resided in Antigua and Barbuda, he went to Belgium for medical treatment, making it the current jurisdiction for extradition proceedings.
India assured Belgian authorities that if extradited, Choksi would be held in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail with specific guarantees for personal space, medical care, legal access, and security. These commitments were meant to address concerns about his treatment and uphold international human rights standards.[summary]
In previous extradition attempts, Choksi has claimed kidnapping and sought legal protection, arguing his life would be at risk if returned to India. His escape and acquisition of Antiguan citizenship created prolonged legal and diplomatic battles, complicating extradition proceedings.