In a letter sent on September 4 to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice, the MHA stated that Choksi would be lodged at Barrack No. 12 in Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, reported News18. The ministry detailed conditions to ensure compliance with international human rights standards.
According to the letter, “Choksi will be held at the Barrack number 12, Arthur Road jail complex in Mumbai, if extradited.” The communication further specified that “Mehul Choksi will be kept in a cell in which he will get a minimum of 3 square metres of personal space (not including furniture) throughout the period of his prospective detention in case he is found guilty.””The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” it added.
The letter also outlined the access to:
- Bedding
- Clean drinking water
- Ventilation
- Toilet facilities
- Daily exercise
- Round-the-clock medical care
- Library
- Legal counsel
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Choksi’s counsel, Vijay Aggarwal, argued against extradition, citing the alleged political nature of the case and his client’s fragile health.
He claimed that extradition “could violate Choksi’s human rights due to inadequate healthcare and potential political harassment,” while addressing reporters, as per News18.
He also said that Choksi is undergoing cancer treatment and has previously offered to cooperate with Indian investigators through video conferencing.
Background of the case
Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April following India’s formal extradition request.
Alongside his nephew Nirav Modi, he is accused of orchestrating fraudulent transactions that defrauded PNB of thousands of crores. He also faces separate charges in other bank fraud matters.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has pressed for extradition under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. These offences are recognised under Belgian law, meeting the dual criminality requirement.
The CBI has also invoked the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to strengthen its case, as per News18.
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