Brussels/New Delhi (National Times): Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, recently arrested in Belgium, is preparing to challenge his custody through legal means. His legal counsel, Vijay Aggarwal, confirmed plans to file an appeal for Choksi’s release, citing deteriorating health and ongoing cancer treatment as the primary reasons.
Choksi was apprehended over the weekend after Belgian authorities tracked him down. Sources stated that preparations are underway for a possible extradition to India. However, his defense team is pushing back, emphasizing that his medical condition makes incarceration unsuitable.
“My client is currently being held in Belgium. We will be filing an appeal for his release on health grounds. He has been undergoing cancer treatment, and we will argue that he poses no risk of fleeing,” Aggarwal told ANI in Delhi. Aggarwal added that the appeal process is part of standard procedure in extradition cases and that they will stress Choksi’s community ties and non-flight risk status.
The 65-year-old diamond tycoon is at the center of a massive financial scandal in India, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of over Rs 13,800 crore. Alongside his nephew, Nirav Modi, Choksi fled India in early 2018, triggering an international manhunt. While the Indian government hopes for a smooth extradition, legal experts are skeptical. Whistleblower Hariprasad SV, who exposed the PNB scam, expressed doubt about India’s chances of securing Choksi’s return.
“He’s likely to hire top legal minds in Europe, just as he did in the past. Extraditing someone with deep pockets and global connections is never easy,” said Hariprasad, referencing Choksi’s successful legal maneuvering in Dominica in 2021. Choksi, he added, defrauded over 100 franchisees across India, with numerous legal complaints still pending.
