News Flash Daily
05 March 
India’s Long Pursuit of Fugitive Diamond Tycoon Enters Crucial Stage as Belgian Court Reviews Extradition Under Bilateral Treaty
New Delhi: In a development closely tracked by Indian authorities, a Belgian court is likely to grant approval for the extradition of Mehul Choksi, the prime accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Legal proceedings have entered their final stage, and officials see the moment as a potential turning point in India’s long-running effort to bring the absconding businessman back to face trial.
Court Decision Reaches Final Stage
Belgium’s higher court is currently examining the legal framework governing Choksi’s extradition. This follows the rejection of his appeal by the country’s Supreme Court in December, after which the matter moved into final deliberations. Legal experts note that the present phase focuses primarily on procedural compliance rather than re-examining the merits of the case.
India’s Strong Case Presented
Indian investigative agencies—the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED)—have submitted detailed documentation to Belgian authorities. According to officials familiar with the submissions, the agencies have demonstrated that Choksi fled India to evade judicial proceedings and faces serious financial fraud charges exceeding Rs13,000 crore.
“The evidence clearly establishes intent to escape prosecution and the magnitude of the alleged banking fraud,” a source associated with the investigation said.
Defense Arguments Already Rejected
Choksi had earlier claimed that he would not receive adequate protection in Indian prisons and alleged that the case against him was politically motivated. Belgian courts, however, have previously dismissed these arguments, stating that they lacked sufficient legal basis and did not meet the threshold to block extradition.
Clear Path Under Extradition Treaty
Under the bilateral extradition agreement between Belgium and India, extradition is permissible when the offence in question is punishable in both jurisdictions. Since bank fraud constitutes a criminal offence under Belgian law as well, the court has observed that no legal impediment exists to handing Choksi over to Indian authorities.
