Following the arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi in Belgium, his legal team has announced plans to file an appeal for his release, citing his poor health and ongoing cancer treatment. Choksi’s lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, confirmed that the appeal will argue that Choksi poses no flight risk and requires urgent medical care.
“My client, Mehul Choksi, has been arrested in Belgium and is currently in custody. We will be starting the appeal process, requesting his release from prison. The primary grounds are his ill health and the fact that he is undergoing treatment for cancer,” Aggarwal said in a statement from Delhi.
Choksi, who fled India in 2018, is wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, along with his nephew Nirav Modi. His arrest in Belgium came after authorities confirmed his presence in the country. Preparations for his extradition to India are reportedly underway.
Aggarwal emphasized that the arrest is only the beginning of a complex extradition process. “There is no push; it is a process. A non-bailable warrant has been pending against him since 2018, which is a prerequisite for extradition. He had been receiving treatment in Antigua as per a Dominican court’s order, and he traveled to Belgium for further medical care,” the lawyer explained.
He added that the legal strategy now involves demonstrating Choksi’s community ties, his lack of flight risk, and his medical condition—key factors that could influence a Belgian court’s decision on extradition.
Meanwhile, PNB scam whistle-blower Hariprasad SV expressed skepticism about India’s chances of bringing Choksi back. He highlighted the businessman’s history of evading extradition, most notably in Dominica, and warned that Choksi would once again employ top legal talent to fight the case.
“Extradition is not easy. Choksi’s wallet is full, and he’ll hire the best lawyers in Europe to delay or block the process—much like what Vijay Mallya has done. It won’t be easy for India,” Hariprasad told ANI. He added that Choksi had cheated at least 100 franchises, many of which have ongoing legal cases across Indian cities.
Hariprasad concluded by saying, “India’s legal system is strong, but extradition depends on the laws and cooperation of the country we are dealing with. This won’t be a straightforward case.”
As legal proceedings unfold in Belgium, Indian authorities await further developments in what promises to be a prolonged and high-stakes legal battle.