The barrack has two rooms with attached sanitation facilities. Choksi will remain indoors except for medical visits or court hearings.

The barrack has two rooms with attached sanitation facilities. Choksi will remain indoors except for medical visits or court hearings.

Mehul Choksi: First photos of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, where fugitive businessman will be kept after extradition

In a major blow to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, the Antwerp Court of Appeal has approved the execution of two Indian arrest warrants, paving the way for his potential extradition to face trial in the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, the Belgian authorities confirmed to WION. The decision, delivered by the ‘Kamer van Inbeschuldigingstelling’ (Chamber of Accusation) on October 17, 2025, overturns Choksi’s appeal against a lower court ruling from November 29, 2024.The court evaluated India’s extradition request through a six-step legal framework, confirming a valid treaty between Belgium and India, Choksi’s status as a foreign national, and the applicability of dual criminality for most charges. The Indian warrants, issued by a Mumbai Special Judge on May 23, 2018, and June 15, 2021, accuse Choksi of serious offences, including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and embezzlement—crimes punishable under Belgian law with imprisonment exceeding one year. The court also ruled out any statute of limitations, either in Belgium or India, clearing legal hurdles for extradition.However, the court rejected one charge—tampering or destroying evidence—from the 2021 warrant, citing a lack of equivalent offence under Belgian law, thus failing the principle of reciprocity.The businessman, accused of defrauding PNB of over Rs 13,000 crore, fled India in January 2018 and acquired Antiguian citizenship. His dramatic disappearance from Antigua in 2021 and subsequent capture in Dominica had stalled earlier extradition efforts.With the Antwerp ruling, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inches closer to bringing Choksi to justice. He has 15 days to appeal to Belgium’s Court of Cassation on legal grounds, but no filing has been reported yet.

The businessman, accused of defrauding PNB of over Rs 13,000 crore, fled India in January 2018 and acquired Antiguian citizenship.

In a major blow to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, the Antwerp Court of Appeal has approved the execution of two Indian arrest warrants, paving the way for his potential extradition to face trial in the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, the Belgian authorities confirmed to WION. The decision, delivered by the ‘Kamer van Inbeschuldigingstelling’ (Chamber of Accusation) on October 17, 2025, overturns Choksi’s appeal against a lower court ruling from November 29, 2024. The court evaluated India’s extradition request through a six-step legal framework, confirming a valid treaty between Belgium and India, Choksi’s status as a foreign national, and the applicability of dual criminality for most charges. The Indian warrants, issued by a Mumbai Special Judge on May 23, 2018, and June 15, 2021, accuse Choksi of serious offences, including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and embezzlement—crimes punishable under Belgian law with imprisonment exceeding one year. The court also ruled out any statute of limitations, either in Belgium or India, clearing legal hurdles for extradition. However, the court rejected one charge—tampering or destroying evidence—from the 2021 warrant, citing a lack of equivalent offence under Belgian law, thus failing the principle of reciprocity. The businessman, accused of defrauding PNB of over Rs 13,000 crore, fled India in January 2018 and acquired Antiguian citizenship. His dramatic disappearance from Antigua in 2021 and subsequent capture in Dominica had stalled earlier extradition efforts. With the Antwerp ruling, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inches closer to bringing Choksi to justice. He has 15 days to appeal to Belgium’s Court of Cassation on legal grounds, but no filing has been reported yet.

The businessman, accused of defrauding PNB of over Rs 13,000 crore, fled India in January 2018 and acquired Antiguian citizenship.

Antwerp Court greenlights Mehul Choksi’s extradition to India

A Belgian court on Friday ruled in favour of India’s request for extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to face charges in the country. A court in Antwerp cleared the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, noting that his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request was valid. The order has come as a strong validation for India’s case seeking the extradition of Choksi, who still has the option of appealing against the decision in a superior court in Belgium, said officials. “The order has come in our favour. The court has termed his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request valid. The first legal step in getting him extradited is now clear,” said a senior official seeking anonymity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Choksi fled India in 2018 after allegedly defrauding the Punjab National Bank in one of the biggest financial scams in the country and had been on the run since.&nbsp;<h2>Indian officials assisted Belgian prosecutors</h2>&nbsp;Indian officials from the External Affairs Ministry and the CBI played a key role in assisting Belgian prosecutors. They presented detailed arguments on Choksi’s alleged involvement in a Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam that he had orchestrated in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi. Prosecutors told the court that Choksi continues to be a flight risk and should not be released from prison, officials added.&nbsp;Though Choksi has been granted the right to challenge the decision in a higher court, which can delay his immediate transfer to India, the verdict is a boost in the long-drawn proceedings.&nbsp;Choksi was arrested by Antwerp Police on April 11, following India’s formal extradition request, and has since been held in a correctional facility. His multiple bail applications were rejected due to his high risk of fleeing again.&nbsp;<h2>‘Criminal charges against him in India also punishable under Belgian law’</h2>&nbsp;The Antwerp court ruled that the criminal charges pressed against him in India, including cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and corruption, are also punishable under Belgian law and satisfy the international legal principle of “dual criminality”, a prerequisite for extradition between two countries.&nbsp;India also referenced the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), both ratified by Belgium in the extradition trial proceedings.&nbsp;The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) even sent multiple delegations to Belgium to present documentation and also retained a European law firm to coordinate legal proceedings and evidence submission.&nbsp;WATCH: World's first hydrogen-powered race cars showcased in Saudi Arabia<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-s-first-hydrogen-powered-race-cars-showcased-in-saudi-arabia-1760715480170/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-s-first-hydrogen-powered-race-cars-showcased-in-saudi-arabia-1760715480170/embed</a>&nbsp;

A Belgian court cleared the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Friday, noting that his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request was valid. Choksi, however, still has the option of appealing against the decision in a superior court in Belgium.

A Belgian court on Friday ruled in favour of India’s request for extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to face charges in the country. A court in Antwerp cleared the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, noting that his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request was valid. The order has come as a strong validation for India’s case seeking the extradition of Choksi, who still has the option of appealing against the decision in a superior court in Belgium, said officials. “The order has come in our favour. The court has termed his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request valid. The first legal step in getting him extradited is now clear,” said a senior official seeking anonymity. Choksi fled India in 2018 after allegedly defrauding the Punjab National Bank in one of the biggest financial scams in the country and had been on the run since. Indian officials assisted Belgian prosecutors Indian officials from the External Affairs Ministry and the CBI played a key role in assisting Belgian prosecutors. They presented detailed arguments on Choksi’s alleged involvement in a Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam that he had orchestrated in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi. Prosecutors told the court that Choksi continues to be a flight risk and should not be released from prison, officials added. Though Choksi has been granted the right to challenge the decision in a higher court, which can delay his immediate transfer to India, the verdict is a boost in the long-drawn proceedings. Choksi was arrested by Antwerp Police on April 11, following India’s formal extradition request, and has since been held in a correctional facility. His multiple bail applications were rejected due to his high risk of fleeing again. ‘Criminal charges against him in India also punishable under Belgian law’ The Antwerp court ruled that the criminal charges pressed against him in India, including cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and corruption, are also punishable under Belgian law and satisfy the international legal principle of “dual criminality”, a prerequisite for extradition between two countries. India also referenced the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), both ratified by Belgium in the extradition trial proceedings. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) even sent multiple delegations to Belgium to present documentation and also retained a European law firm to coordinate legal proceedings and evidence submission. WATCH: World's first hydrogen-powered race cars showcased in Saudi Arabia https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-s-first-hydrogen-powered-race-cars-showcased-in-saudi-arabia-1760715480170/embed

A Belgian court cleared the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi on Friday, noting that his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India’s request was valid. Choksi, however, still has the option of appealing against the decision in a superior court in Belgium.

Belgian court orders fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s extradition to India

India has furnished a formal letter to the Ministry of Justice, Kingdom of Belgium, assuring the conditions under which fugitive Mehul Choksi will be kept if he is extradited to India over involvement in a bank fraud case. Choksi, who was arrested by Belgian authorities in April this year, is the prime accused in a Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, along with his nephew, Nirav Modi.In the letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) detailed the conditions in which Choksi would be kept in Mumbai jail, assuring material, medical and procedural safeguards to address human rights concerns raised in extradition proceedings. Earlier, the diamond merchant’s legal team claimed that prison conditions in India were “grave” in a bid to prevent his extradition.<h2>Choksi to be held in Mumbai jail</h2>According to the ministry, Barrack No. 12, which has a capacity of six persons, at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, has been designated for Choksi’s detention. He is assured of humane and dignified treatment, with a minimum of three square metres of personal space, access to a washroom, clean drinking water, proper bedding, medical facilities and more. His detention will be in accordance with norms set by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).“The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing a clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” the letter reads, according to News18. His cell will have adequate light, ventilation, and storage for permissible personal items.<h2>Exercise and recreational</h2>While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval, throughout his period in prison, the MHA assured in the letter. A jail canteen with access to fruits and basic snacks will also be available.“Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation, and access to a library and reading materials,” according to the letter.<h2>‘No discrimination’</h2>“If Mehul Choksi is extradited to India, the government of India on the basis of the information received from the government of Maharashtra and Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra State, solemnly assures that all such facilities are available in Arthur Road Prison shall be provided to him without any discrimination as per lodging policy in vogue,” the letter added. “This assurance is a sovereign assurance by the government of India in consultation with the State Government concerned.”<h2>Medical care</h2>The inmates at the facility have access to 24x7 medical care with six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support. The 20-bed prison hospital also has an ICU facility available, and emergency referrals can be made to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, which is located about three kilometres away from the prison. “Detainees may also seek private medical care at their own expense,” it added.

While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day.

India has furnished a formal letter to the Ministry of Justice, Kingdom of Belgium, assuring the conditions under which fugitive Mehul Choksi will be kept if he is extradited to India over involvement in a bank fraud case. Choksi, who was arrested by Belgian authorities in April this year, is the prime accused in a Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, along with his nephew, Nirav Modi. In the letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) detailed the conditions in which Choksi would be kept in Mumbai jail, assuring material, medical and procedural safeguards to address human rights concerns raised in extradition proceedings. Earlier, the diamond merchant’s legal team claimed that prison conditions in India were “grave” in a bid to prevent his extradition. Choksi to be held in Mumbai jail According to the ministry, Barrack No. 12, which has a capacity of six persons, at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, has been designated for Choksi’s detention. He is assured of humane and dignified treatment, with a minimum of three square metres of personal space, access to a washroom, clean drinking water, proper bedding, medical facilities and more. His detention will be in accordance with norms set by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). “The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing a clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” the letter reads, according to News18. His cell will have adequate light, ventilation, and storage for permissible personal items. Exercise and recreational While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval, throughout his period in prison, the MHA assured in the letter. A jail canteen with access to fruits and basic snacks will also be available. “Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation, and access to a library and reading materials,” according to the letter. ‘No discrimination’ “If Mehul Choksi is extradited to India, the government of India on the basis of the information received from the government of Maharashtra and Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra State, solemnly assures that all such facilities are available in Arthur Road Prison shall be provided to him without any discrimination as per lodging policy in vogue,” the letter added. “This assurance is a sovereign assurance by the government of India in consultation with the State Government concerned.” Medical care The inmates at the facility have access to 24x7 medical care with six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support. The 20-bed prison hospital also has an ICU facility available, and emergency referrals can be made to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, which is located about three kilometres away from the prison. “Detainees may also seek private medical care at their own expense,” it added.

While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day.

What facilities will Mehul Choksi get if extradited to India? MHA punctures ‘prison condition grave’ claims