Challenges Ahead for Mehul Choksi's Extradition to India, States His Lawyer
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Synopsis
Mehul Choksi's extradition to India faces significant hurdles, with his lawyer citing a recent case involving Sanjay Bhandari. Choksi's health and potential human rights violations are key factors in this complex scenario.
Key Takeaways
- Mehul Choksi's extradition is complicated.
- Connection to a major fraud case.
- Health concerns influence extradition appeal.
- Political and media pressures could affect fair trial.
- Legal team is prepared to contest extradition vigorously.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) The extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India is likely to be complicated, especially following a recent setback in a similar case involving Sanjay Bhandari, as noted by Choksi's attorney, Vijay Aggarwal.
Choksi, who is sought in connection with the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case alongside his nephew Nirav Modi, was detained by authorities in Belgium, as confirmed by sources from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The arrest took place following India's formal request for his extradition.
In an interview with IANS, Aggarwal stated, "He was apprehended on Saturday, and we will be filing an appeal for him in Belgium."
When questioned about the likelihood of extradition, he replied, "No. Extradition is not straightforward because India's extradition request was also denied in the Sanjay Bhandari case."
Earlier this year, a court in London halted Bhandari's extradition, a UK-based defense consultant wanted by Indian authorities for money laundering and tax evasion, citing "risks of torture and systemic abuse" within India's prison system.
Aggarwal highlighted that a significant argument for appeal will be Choksi's health. "He is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and wishes to continue it in Switzerland. He is not a flight risk at this moment," the attorney remarked.
Defending his client's decision for treatment abroad, Aggarwal said, "If a person is satisfied with their treatment there, they should pursue it there. It’s a personal choice, just like sending children abroad for education. No one should question that."
Aggarwal also expressed concerns regarding Choksi's safety if returned to India. "We believe that upon arrival, he will face inhumane treatment. He wishes to safeguard himself from this situation," he added.
He further noted that political and media pressures in India could impede Choksi from receiving a fair trial.
"Choksi's medical condition is such that his human rights will be compromised here. Furthermore, in the Sanjay Bhandari case, the extradition request is currently on hold due to the unsatisfactory conditions in India," he said.
"We have the means to contest the extradition, and we will do so vigorously. We will defend our client resolutely," the lawyer asserted.
Choksi, a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, has been residing in Antwerp, Belgium with his wife, Preeti Choksi, a Belgian national. He reportedly departed Antigua for cancer treatment and was preparing to relocate to Switzerland.
