Belgian court approves extradition of fugitive Mehul Choksi to India, he will soon return to the country

A Belgian court has approved the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are both wanted in India in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. According to sources, the court issued an interim order validating India’s extradition request. A court in Antwerp, Belgium gave this order and upheld his arrest based on India’s request. This decision is considered as an important step towards return to India. Opportunity to appeal in Supreme Court However, according to officials, Choksi still has the option of appealing in the Supreme Court. “This means he will not be brought to India immediately, but the first and most important step of the process has been completed,” an official said. Court’s decision after hearing arguments from both sides The court in Antwerp on Friday heard arguments from the Indian side and Belgian prosecutors on behalf of Choksi’s legal team. The court found that India’s extradition request and Choksi’s arrest were legal. All attempts at bail have failed. The 65-year-old Mehul Choksi was arrested by the police in Antwerp on 11 April on the extradition request of the CBI. He has been in prison in Belgium for the last four months. Choksi filed bail petitions in various courts, but each time his pleas were turned down. Fraud in collusion with PNB officials. India presented strong evidence and legal arguments against Mehul Choksi in the Antwerp court, naming him the prime accused in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. The CBI told the court that Choksi, in collusion with PNB officials, issued fake Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to foreign banks without any collateral. Loan received. Later this money was transferred to fake companies for money laundering. Charges filed under serious sections: India accused Choksi of cheating, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and corruption. He was charged under sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, 477A of the Indian Penal Code and sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Share this story Tags