A magistrate court in Dominica will continue to hearing case against fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi.

Mehul Choksi's wife says my husband is an Antiguan citizen

A magistrate court in Dominica on Wednesday rejected&nbsp;fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's bail appeal. Following a high court order, he pleaded not guilty to allegations of illegal entry into the Caribbean island nation.

"Will will move the upper court," said Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal.

This comes after fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi was produced before a local magistrate in Dominica to answer charges of his illegal entry into the&nbsp;country following a court order. Choksi appeared before the magistrate in a wheelchair in a blue T-shirt and black shorts. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/where-is-barbara-jarabica-asks-priti-choksi-wife-of-mehul-choksi-389084">Also read | Where is Barbara Jarabica, asks Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi</a> 
 
Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal had said that according to Dominican law, any arrested accused has to be presented before the court in 72 hours and added that because Choksi was not presented in court within the prescribed time, the court has ordered to produce him before the magistrate at 4 pm (Dominica time). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-leader-lennox-linton-says-govt-knew-choksi-was-coming-to-dominica-388712">Also read | Opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to Dominica</a> 
 
Earlier on Wednesday, the Dominica High Court ruled that Choksi, who is wanted in India in the $2 billion&nbsp;Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, must be brought before a local magistrate on Wednesday afternoon to face charges of illegal entry. Justice Bernie Stephenson ruled that Choksi is to face charges of illegal entry into Dominica. 
 
Choksi had gone missing in Antigua and Barbuda for a few days before being tracked down and arrested in Dominica on May 26. After escaping India in January 2018, he has been residing in Antigua &amp; Barbuda.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier on June 2, breaking her silence for the first time in days, the businessman's wife Priti Choksi questioned the disappearance of Barbara Jarabica and slammed the authorities of Antigua and Dominica for their handling of the case.

Barbara is the mysterious woman whose name cropped up in the case and is alleged to be the female accomplice who had a role in Choksi's movement from Antigua to Dominica.

Speaking to WION, Priti said, "Picture that is run of this person called Barbara is not even correct picture. Where is she, no one knows. If a crime occurred, and she saw it why has she not said anything? No one knows", adding, "she is not traceable".

When asked who she was, Mrs Choksi explained, "She claims to be someone who works on house renovation and she would come down to Antigua two or three times - she came in August, in April and now in May" and added that she "has never met her".

(With inputs from agencies)

A magistrate court in Dominica on Wednesday rejected fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's bail appeal. Following a high court order, he pleaded not guilty to allegations of illegal entry into the Caribbean island nation.

A magistrate court in Dominica on Wednesday rejected fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's bail appeal. Following a high court order, he pleaded not guilty to allegations of illegal entry into the Caribbean island nation. "Will will move the upper court," said Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal. This comes after fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi was produced before a local magistrate in Dominica to answer charges of his illegal entry into the country following a court order. Choksi appeared before the magistrate in a wheelchair in a blue T-shirt and black shorts. Also read | Where is Barbara Jarabica, asks Priti Choksi, wife of Mehul Choksi Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal had said that according to Dominican law, any arrested accused has to be presented before the court in 72 hours and added that because Choksi was not presented in court within the prescribed time, the court has ordered to produce him before the magistrate at 4 pm (Dominica time). Also read | Opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to Dominica Earlier on Wednesday, the Dominica High Court ruled that Choksi, who is wanted in India in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, must be brought before a local magistrate on Wednesday afternoon to face charges of illegal entry. Justice Bernie Stephenson ruled that Choksi is to face charges of illegal entry into Dominica. Choksi had gone missing in Antigua and Barbuda for a few days before being tracked down and arrested in Dominica on May 26. After escaping India in January 2018, he has been residing in Antigua & Barbuda. Earlier on June 2, breaking her silence for the first time in days, the businessman's wife Priti Choksi questioned the disappearance of Barbara Jarabica and slammed the authorities of Antigua and Dominica for their handling of the case. Barbara is the mysterious woman whose name cropped up in the case and is alleged to be the female accomplice who had a role in Choksi's movement from Antigua to Dominica. Speaking to WION, Priti said, "Picture that is run of this person called Barbara is not even correct picture. Where is she, no one knows. If a crime occurred, and she saw it why has she not said anything? No one knows", adding, "she is not traceable". When asked who she was, Mrs Choksi explained, "She claims to be someone who works on house renovation and she would come down to Antigua two or three times - she came in August, in April and now in May" and added that she "has never met her". (With inputs from agencies)

PNB scam: Mehul Choksi denied bail by magistrate court on charges of illegal entry into Dominica

Speaking to WION exclusively, the leader of the opposition in Dominica, Lennox Linton has slammed the government of PM Roosevelt Skerrit over not being "forthcoming" on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising question marks over his presence in the country.

Dominica's opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to the country

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Wednesday said that his administration stands by its request for Dominica to extradite Indian-born fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi directly back to India.

Was the opposition briefed by the Dominica govt?

Lennox Linton, the leader of opposition in Dominica, has slammed the government of Prime Minister&nbsp;Roosevelt Skerrit for not being 'forthcoming’ on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising questions over his presence in the country. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION exclusively from Dominica, Linton said, "The only reason the government is keeping it under wraps and not wanting that people should know about it is because the government is embarrassed by the action it took to facilitate this transaction."&nbsp;

He explained, "The government clearly knew that Choksi was coming to Dominica. And the fact that he arrived without any passport raises several questions."&nbsp;

Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, was found in Dominica last week after mysteriously disappearing in Antigua. Since then, he has been in the custody of local authorities with a court case due on Wednesday over what is being described by the government as his 'illegal' entry into the country. &nbsp;

Linton highlighted, "We are not saying Mehul Choksi doesn't have to face the music or the courts for what he has done because these are serious charges. We have to be careful as in Dominica, there are issues with economic citizenship and many bandits enter the country in its name. "

In a strong statement, the opposition leader also questioned how operators of a vessel that came on Dominica on May 23, made a false declaration that it came on May 25 and did not mention Choksi.&nbsp;

Lennox Linton, the leader of opposition in Dominica, has slammed the government of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for not being 'forthcoming’ on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising questions over his presence in the country.

Lennox Linton, the leader of opposition in Dominica, has slammed the government of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for not being 'forthcoming’ on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising questions over his presence in the country. Speaking to WION exclusively from Dominica, Linton said, "The only reason the government is keeping it under wraps and not wanting that people should know about it is because the government is embarrassed by the action it took to facilitate this transaction." He explained, "The government clearly knew that Choksi was coming to Dominica. And the fact that he arrived without any passport raises several questions." Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, was found in Dominica last week after mysteriously disappearing in Antigua. Since then, he has been in the custody of local authorities with a court case due on Wednesday over what is being described by the government as his 'illegal' entry into the country. Linton highlighted, "We are not saying Mehul Choksi doesn't have to face the music or the courts for what he has done because these are serious charges. We have to be careful as in Dominica, there are issues with economic citizenship and many bandits enter the country in its name. " In a strong statement, the opposition leader also questioned how operators of a vessel that came on Dominica on May 23, made a false declaration that it came on May 25 and did not mention Choksi.

Opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to Dominica

Speaking to WION exclusively from Dominica, Linton said, "The only reason the government is keeping it under wraps and not wanting that people should know about it is because the government is embarrassed by the action it took to facilitate this transaction."

While efforts are underway to extradite fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, his citizenship is now centre of controversy. Choksi has secured citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.

Mehul Choksi Citizenship Row: Efforts underway to extradite fugitive businessman

Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force.

Mehul Choksi Case: Controversy erupts in Antigua

These two names are now under the scanner since Cobra Tours has been named as the service providers for Mehul Choksi's inter-country travel.

Yacht owner Andrew O'brien rejects Mehul Choksi's abduction claims

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media.

The demand from the party came after Prime Minister Browne asked the Dominican government to send Choksi to India.

Mehul Choksi is wanted in India over his role in Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi committed as Rs 135,000 million loan fraud.

UPP said that since Choksi is an Antiguan citizen, he is entitled to due process of law.

Choksi was arrested in Dominica earlier this week. Late on Saturday night (Indian time) some photos of Mehul Choksi emerged in which there appeared to be bruises on his face.

On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force.

"There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said.

However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media. The demand from the party came after Prime Minister Browne asked the Dominican government to send Choksi to India. Mehul Choksi is wanted in India over his role in Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi committed as Rs 135,000 million loan fraud. UPP said that since Choksi is an Antiguan citizen, he is entitled to due process of law. Choksi was arrested in Dominica earlier this week. Late on Saturday night (Indian time) some photos of Mehul Choksi emerged in which there appeared to be bruises on his face. On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force. "There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said. However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed. (With inputs from agencies)

Treat Mehul Choksi as a citizen, says Antiguan opposition party 

A day after the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne said that Mehul Choksi could be sent back to India in the next 48 hours, a Dominican court on Friday put a stay on the repatriation of the fugitive businessman.

A day after the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne said that Mehul Choksi could be sent back to India in the next 48 hours, a Dominican court on Friday put a stay on the repatriation of the fugitive businessman. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has ordered the chief of police to not remove him from the country. Also read: Mehul Choksi could be in India in 48 hours, says Antigua and Barbuda PM The order was delivered by the court after Mehul Choksi's legal team in Dominica filed a habeas corpus petition and pointed out that he was denied legal rights and was not permitted to meet his lawyers initially. A writ of habeas corpus (which literally means to "produce the body") is an order by the Court requiring that public authorities deliver a detained or jailed person to the court and show a legitimate reason for that person's detention. Presently, Mehul Choksi is in the custody of Dominica Police and being probed for the charges that have been made against him. Watch: As per the statement made by Dominica police, the diamantaire will be only repatriated to Antigua, not India. The 62-year-old businessman has also been allowed full legal support. The case related to his repatriation will be heard once again today at 9 am local time. Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him. He has been residing in Antigua and Barbuda since 2018 after he escaped from India. He had gone missing on Sunday under mysterious circumstances. On Wednesday, he was taken into custody by authorities of Dominica where he was captured when ‘trying to flee’.

PNB scam: Dominican court stays Mehul Choksi's repatriation to India

While speaking to WION, Mehul Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal said that he never leave Antigua voluntarily, he was picked up forcibly and taken in a vessel in Dominica. Fugitive Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14000 crore PNB fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him.

WION Exclusive | Vijay Aggarwal: Choksi never leave Antigua voluntarily, he was abducted

In a momentary relief the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has stayed the repatriation of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi. On the other hand, Choksi's legal team has filed habeas corpus petition in Dominica.

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's repatriation stayed by Dominica court

A Dominica court has stayed the deportation of fugitive diamond jeweler Mehul Choksi, who was arrested while trying to flee Cuba from Antigua in the Caribbean island nation where he had been living since 2018.

Fugitive Mehul Choksi's legal team files habeas corpus petition in a court of the Carribean island

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-exclusive-have-informed-india-on-information-shared-with-interpol-says-antigua-barbudas-pm-on-choksi-387348">Mehul Choksi </a>, who has been missing for the last few days, has been found in the Caribbean country of Dominica.&nbsp;

The fugitive is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 crore&nbsp;($2 billion) PNB fraud case. He had fled to Antigua in 2018 and was reportedly missing for the last few days.&nbsp;

The Dominican authorities have confirmed his presence in the country and said&nbsp;he is in custody.

Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, speaking to WION, said, "the family is happy and relieved that finally the whereabouts of Mehul Choksi is&nbsp;known. And efforts are being made to speak to him so that one can get a clearer picture on how he was taken to Dominica."

Dominica is near Antigua and Barbuda. Choksi is expected to be sent back to Antigua soon.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, WION had spoken to Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne who had said: "I want to make it clear to the people of India, and the entire world, Mehul Choksi is not welcome&nbsp;here in Antigua and Barbuda, we want him out of the country&nbsp;and sooner&nbsp;he leaves the better."

After his mysterious disappearance, the local authorities in Antigua had issued&nbsp;a missing person's report with Interpol.

There is already a Red Corner Notice against Choksi&nbsp;which means if he crosses the border, immigration authorities of any country can apprehend him.

Mehul Choksi , who has been missing for the last few days, has been found in the Caribbean country of Dominica. The fugitive is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 crore ($2 billion) PNB fraud case.

Mehul Choksi , who has been missing for the last few days, has been found in the Caribbean country of Dominica. The fugitive is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 crore ($2 billion) PNB fraud case. He had fled to Antigua in 2018 and was reportedly missing for the last few days. The Dominican authorities have confirmed his presence in the country and said he is in custody. Choksi's lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, speaking to WION, said, "the family is happy and relieved that finally the whereabouts of Mehul Choksi is known. And efforts are being made to speak to him so that one can get a clearer picture on how he was taken to Dominica." Dominica is near Antigua and Barbuda. Choksi is expected to be sent back to Antigua soon. On Tuesday, WION had spoken to Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne who had said: "I want to make it clear to the people of India, and the entire world, Mehul Choksi is not welcome here in Antigua and Barbuda, we want him out of the country and sooner he leaves the better." After his mysterious disappearance, the local authorities in Antigua had issued a missing person's report with Interpol. There is already a Red Corner Notice against Choksi which means if he crosses the border, immigration authorities of any country can apprehend him.

Missing fugitive Mehul Choksi found in Dominica

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that Mehul Choksi could be sent back to India in the next 48 hours from Dominica where he was found. The fugitive Indian diamantaire, who had gone missing from Antigua, was taken into custody by authorities of Dominica where he was captured while trying to flee.

Speaking exclusively and extensively to WION's&nbsp; Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, PM Browne said, "Assuming no legal impediments, I believe within the next 48 hours Choksi could be perhaps in a private jet, you know, repatriated to India." 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-antigua-pm-says-mehul-choksi-could-be-deported-to-india-within-next-48-hrs-387654/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Browne pointed out that he has spoken to Dominica's PM Roosevelt Skerrit over the development and requested him "not to have Choksi return to Antigua where he has legal and constitutional protections" and "send him back directly to India."

Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: If you can give us the facts, where he is, in which part of Dominica?

Gaston Browne: Choksi was found in Dominica. He is presently detained and Antigua's government has been coordinating efforts with Dominican and Indian governments to ensure that Mr Choksi is deported directly from Dominica back to India.

We have specially requested PM Roosevelt Skerrit and law enforcement in Dominica&nbsp;not to have Mr Choksi return to Antigua where he has legal and constitutional protections, but instead to coordinate efforts and cooperate with the Indian government, Indian law enforcement, [and] have Mr Choksi repatriated directly to India. And the govt of Dominica is cooperating.

Sidhant Sibal: That means he can be directly sent to India?

Gaston Browne: Absolutely. He made a monumental error because he recognised that my government and my administration were gung ho about revoking his citizenship and having him extradited. So it would appear that he may have sought to travel to a neighbouring island with the hope he could have gone unnoticed.

We had put Interpol missing personnel notice. And he was captured in Dominica but he doesn't have the constitutional and legal protection that he enjoys as a citizen in Antigua and Barbuda. So Mr Choksi literally outdid himself.

Sidhant Sibal: Can&nbsp;you give me any timeframe by when he can be sent to India?

Gaston Browne: Presumably, assuming there are no legal impediments and the Government of India can get law enforcement to travel to Dominica within the next 48 hours, I believe that they should be in a strong position to have him repatriated.

Sidhant Sibal: Perhaps, by end of the week?

Gaston Browne: Exactly, assuming no legal impediments, I believe within the next 48 hours Choksi could be perhaps in a private jet, you know, repatriated to India.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How did he leave the country?

Gaston Browne: We don't have the details yet, but we believe that he would have&nbsp;left the island undetected by boat. But law enforcement acted very quickly and was able to put out an Interpol green notice and in these small islands, it's not difficult to identify strangers.

So, he made a monumental error there, and obviously, he would not enjoy the legal and constitutional protection here as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.

Assuming he is not a citizen of Dominica, and there is no evidence he is, then the Dominican govt can make him persona non grata and deport him directly back to India. So this is an interesting development and I think this could be a breakthrough for the Indian government and we are trying to ensure that Choksi is brought to justice.

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? Have you informed the Indian high commissioner?

Gaston Browne: Yes I have, and I have spoken to PM Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica as well and asked for his cooperation. The most significant issue at this time is for him not to be repatriated to Antigua because he is an Antiguan citizen.

And I presume Choksi's lawyers would want to have him repatriated to Antigua and Barbuda so that he continues to enjoy legal and constitutional protections. So we have asked the Dominican government to collaborate with the Indian government and have him repatriated directly to India.

That information has been communicated to the Indian high commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda who is stationed in Guyana, spoken directly. And we now expect both governments, Indian and Dominican governments, collaborate in having Choksi repatriated.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: When did you find out Mehul Choksi is in a different country?

Gaston Browne: Earlier today, but we had to verify that it was the correct person. Having verified that it was Mr Choksi himself, that is when we started to make the phone call to make sure that he doesn't get away, that we don't inadvertently put him on a plane and have him sent back to Antigua, that would have been a travesty.

We insisted that he should not be sent back here and that we would not accept him, although we have to accept him because he is a citizen. Certainly do not send him back to Antigua, send him back to his country of birth. Send him back directly to India.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What has been the response of the Indian side?

Gaston Browne: I sense that they are very happy and they recognise to the government of Antigua and Barbuda did not provide a safe harbour for Choksi. He felt uncomfortable that he tried to abscond and skip the island and got to another Island.

Unfortunately, he has been identified as a fugitive, he is now been held and it means, Choksi will have to face the courts in India. I am sure government officials have been happy with the development.

Sidhant Sibal: And what has been the thought process of Dominica's government?

Gaston Browne: They are cooperating fully, in fact, PM Skerrit and I are very close allies and we collaborate on many issues and it was not a difficult proposition to convince him that he needed to cooperate with Antiguan and Indian governments. This is demonstrative of Antiguan government commitments to ensure that Choksi is brought to justice.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that Mehul Choksi could be sent back to India in the next 48 hours from Dominica where he was found.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that Mehul Choksi could be sent back to India in the next 48 hours from Dominica where he was found. The fugitive Indian diamantaire, who had gone missing from Antigua, was taken into custody by authorities of Dominica where he was captured while trying to flee. Speaking exclusively and extensively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, PM Browne said, "Assuming no legal impediments, I believe within the next 48 hours Choksi could be perhaps in a private jet, you know, repatriated to India." Watch: Browne pointed out that he has spoken to Dominica's PM Roosevelt Skerrit over the development and requested him "not to have Choksi return to Antigua where he has legal and constitutional protections" and "send him back directly to India." Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him. Sidhant Sibal: If you can give us the facts, where he is, in which part of Dominica? Gaston Browne: Choksi was found in Dominica. He is presently detained and Antigua's government has been coordinating efforts with Dominican and Indian governments to ensure that Mr Choksi is deported directly from Dominica back to India. We have specially requested PM Roosevelt Skerrit and law enforcement in Dominica not to have Mr Choksi return to Antigua where he has legal and constitutional protections, but instead to coordinate efforts and cooperate with the Indian government, Indian law enforcement, [and] have Mr Choksi repatriated directly to India. And the govt of Dominica is cooperating. Sidhant Sibal: That means he can be directly sent to India? Gaston Browne: Absolutely. He made a monumental error because he recognised that my government and my administration were gung ho about revoking his citizenship and having him extradited. So it would appear that he may have sought to travel to a neighbouring island with the hope he could have gone unnoticed. We had put Interpol missing personnel notice. And he was captured in Dominica but he doesn't have the constitutional and legal protection that he enjoys as a citizen in Antigua and Barbuda. So Mr Choksi literally outdid himself. Sidhant Sibal: Can you give me any timeframe by when he can be sent to India? Gaston Browne: Presumably, assuming there are no legal impediments and the Government of India can get law enforcement to travel to Dominica within the next 48 hours, I believe that they should be in a strong position to have him repatriated. Sidhant Sibal: Perhaps, by end of the week? Gaston Browne: Exactly, assuming no legal impediments, I believe within the next 48 hours Choksi could be perhaps in a private jet, you know, repatriated to India. Sidhant Sibal: How did he leave the country? Gaston Browne: We don't have the details yet, but we believe that he would have left the island undetected by boat. But law enforcement acted very quickly and was able to put out an Interpol green notice and in these small islands, it's not difficult to identify strangers. So, he made a monumental error there, and obviously, he would not enjoy the legal and constitutional protection here as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. Assuming he is not a citizen of Dominica, and there is no evidence he is, then the Dominican govt can make him persona non grata and deport him directly back to India. So this is an interesting development and I think this could be a breakthrough for the Indian government and we are trying to ensure that Choksi is brought to justice. Sidhant Sibal: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? Have you informed the Indian high commissioner? Gaston Browne: Yes I have, and I have spoken to PM Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica as well and asked for his cooperation. The most significant issue at this time is for him not to be repatriated to Antigua because he is an Antiguan citizen. And I presume Choksi's lawyers would want to have him repatriated to Antigua and Barbuda so that he continues to enjoy legal and constitutional protections. So we have asked the Dominican government to collaborate with the Indian government and have him repatriated directly to India. That information has been communicated to the Indian high commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda who is stationed in Guyana, spoken directly. And we now expect both governments, Indian and Dominican governments, collaborate in having Choksi repatriated. Sidhant Sibal: When did you find out Mehul Choksi is in a different country? Gaston Browne: Earlier today, but we had to verify that it was the correct person. Having verified that it was Mr Choksi himself, that is when we started to make the phone call to make sure that he doesn't get away, that we don't inadvertently put him on a plane and have him sent back to Antigua, that would have been a travesty. We insisted that he should not be sent back here and that we would not accept him, although we have to accept him because he is a citizen. Certainly do not send him back to Antigua, send him back to his country of birth. Send him back directly to India. Sidhant Sibal: What has been the response of the Indian side? Gaston Browne: I sense that they are very happy and they recognise to the government of Antigua and Barbuda did not provide a safe harbour for Choksi. He felt uncomfortable that he tried to abscond and skip the island and got to another Island. Unfortunately, he has been identified as a fugitive, he is now been held and it means, Choksi will have to face the courts in India. I am sure government officials have been happy with the development. Sidhant Sibal: And what has been the thought process of Dominica's government? Gaston Browne: They are cooperating fully, in fact, PM Skerrit and I are very close allies and we collaborate on many issues and it was not a difficult proposition to convince him that he needed to cooperate with Antiguan and Indian governments. This is demonstrative of Antiguan government commitments to ensure that Choksi is brought to justice.

Watch: Mehul Choksi could be in India in 48 hours, says Antigua and Barbuda PM

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne in conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal.

WION Exclusive | Antigua PM says, "Mehul Choksi could be deported to India within next 48 hrs"

The Dominican government has confirmed that India's fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has been detained by them and possible arrangements are being made for his repatriation to Antigua and Barbuda.

Dominica confirms fugitive Mehul Choksi's detention, hints at repatriation to Antigua

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi who had recently fled from Antigua and Barbuda has been captured in Dominica. Police in Dominica captured Choksi after an Interpol Yellow Notice was issued by Antigua and Barbuda.

Report: Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi captured in Dominica

Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi has gone missing in Antigua, the country he was living in since fleeing India in 2018. Reports say Choksi may have fled to Cuba. WION spoke to Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Palki Sharma brings you the highlights.

Gravitas: Mehul Choksi goes missing in Antigua

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that his government&nbsp;has informed India that&nbsp;Mehul Choksi is missing, with information being also shared with Interpol. 

Fugitive Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 crore PNB fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gaston Browne said, "The missing persons report that was put out locally is now being shared with Interpol".

Choksi has been missing from the country for the last 24 hours with local authorities able to locate the vehicle he used last.&nbsp;

WION: Mehul Choksi has been missing, it has been 24 hours. Could you give more details?

Gaston Browne: Yes, we had a report from Mr&nbsp;Choksi's household that he went missing.

Law enforcement has got involved, they have located his vehicle but they are yet to locate Mr&nbsp;Choksi. Mr. Choksi had two&nbsp;matters before the courts of Antigua and Barbuda. One the&nbsp;revocation of his citizenship and second&nbsp;his extradition back to India.

He recently asked the case to be expedited and also switched his attorney. He recently contracted the services of Mr&nbsp;Edward Fitzgerald CBE QC, a well-known and celebrated criminal lawyer in the UK. He has been fighting the extradition as well as the revocation of his citizenship. Today, as much as he is missing, We have no reliable information, that he has fled the country, even though there is speculation to that effect.

Our&nbsp;STRATCOM has actually issued a missing person report and that report is being shared with Interpol. I am aware that India has put out the Red Notice if he had indeed fled to another country, it is a matter of time. He will be identified, and then perhaps government of India will have to seek some form of cooperation from whichever country he would have fled too.

But we really do not have any tangible information that he has fled the country and law enforcement are doing all they can in order to locate him.

WION: Has the Indian government reached out to you?&nbsp;How have you reached out to Interpol?

Gaston Browne:&nbsp;The missing persons report that was put out locally is now being shared with Interpol. It is what is called a Green Notice.

A Green Notice will be placed internationally for Mehul Choksi as a missing person and that will complement the Red Notice that has been already issued by the government of India,&nbsp;if by chance he has absconded to another country, then as soon as he is identified, action could be taken against him.

In so far as cooperation with the Indian government, I spoke to the Indian high commissioner to&nbsp;Antigua and Barbuda this morning, so they fully are aware and we have been collaborating as have done in the beginning of the case.&nbsp;

WION: So you have officially informed the Indian government of Mehul Choksi being missing?

Gaston Browne: Absolutely,&nbsp;we have.

WION: If it is&nbsp;unlikely that he&nbsp;fled&nbsp;the country, what could have happened to him?

Gaston Browne:&nbsp;I did not say [it is] unlikely he could have fled the country. What I said is we don't have any reliable information that he has fled the country. What we do know [is] at the airport, he did not use any aircraft... if he would have fled the country&nbsp;it would by way of some form of sea vessel.&nbsp;

WION: What are the chances of his extradition, and of him&nbsp;being sent back to India?

Gaston Browne:&nbsp;We feel confident that he will be extradited but as you know the law is such that we have to allow the due process. After he exhausted all of his appeals, we will take action to have him extradited.

I want to make it clear to the people of India, and the entire world, Mehul Choksi is not welcomed here in Antigua and Barbuda. We want him out of the country, and as soon as he leaves, the better.

WION: What is the situation of vaccination in your&nbsp;country and India's support?

Gaston Browne:&nbsp;I want to once again&nbsp;thank PM Modi for that very important act of benevolence in which he made 500,000 vaccines available to the Caribbean region.

I guarantee you that if it wasn't for those vaccines, we would have seen a greater crisis. I can assure you that he has literally saved tens of thousands of lives here in the&nbsp;Caribbean&nbsp;region and for that, we are eternally grateful.

That type of benevolence helps to strengthen both the bilateral and multilateral relations with India. So I think, it was easily one of the most benevolent acts we have seen by any leader within the last century, especially considering India has its own problem. And we all know&nbsp;that India was in the need of those vaccines, but he went the extra mile to assess many countries globally and from that standpoint, he should be commended.

We share our empathy with the people of India. We know you are presently going through a crisis with COVID-19&nbsp;and we just hope in the coming weeks you will get things under control and there will be a significant reduction in hospitalisation and deaths of the Indian people.

Our prayers are with you and as we know this is a global issue that requires global&nbsp;solidarity&nbsp;and so we are standing in solidarity with the Indian people&nbsp;

WION: How has been the collaboration on climate change between India and your country?

Gaston Browne: Climate change is a problem for all humanity and it requires global cooperation and global&nbsp;solidarity.

We believe all of us should continue to meet our commitments that we have agreed to in the Paris Accord and I know India has been taking the necessary steps to reduce its emissions and at the same time even to help poorer countries to build the capacity to adapt and mitigate against the effects of climate change.

This requires global action in order to save our common humanity...In fact, we are very happy&nbsp;that the US has rejoined the Paris Accord and is now providing leadership in this very significant existential threat that is facing all of humanity.

The cooperation goes beyond India and the&nbsp;Caribbean and what is required is global&nbsp;solidarity and&nbsp;cooperation and action in fighting climate change.

WION: How do you&nbsp;see India's Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and International Solar Alliance?

Gaston Browne:&nbsp;India has been helping countries globally, especially the small vulnerable countries&nbsp;to&nbsp;build capacity and we are impressed by that type of global leadership that is being exerted by India in helping us deal with this most significant&nbsp;existential threat that is facing all humanity.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that his government has informed India that Mehul Choksi is missing, with information being also shared with Interpol.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that his government has informed India that Mehul Choksi is missing, with information being also shared with Interpol. Fugitive Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 crore PNB fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gaston Browne said, "The missing persons report that was put out locally is now being shared with Interpol". Choksi has been missing from the country for the last 24 hours with local authorities able to locate the vehicle he used last. WION: Mehul Choksi has been missing, it has been 24 hours. Could you give more details? Gaston Browne: Yes, we had a report from Mr Choksi's household that he went missing. Law enforcement has got involved, they have located his vehicle but they are yet to locate Mr Choksi. Mr. Choksi had two matters before the courts of Antigua and Barbuda. One the revocation of his citizenship and second his extradition back to India. He recently asked the case to be expedited and also switched his attorney. He recently contracted the services of Mr Edward Fitzgerald CBE QC, a well-known and celebrated criminal lawyer in the UK. He has been fighting the extradition as well as the revocation of his citizenship. Today, as much as he is missing, We have no reliable information, that he has fled the country, even though there is speculation to that effect. Our STRATCOM has actually issued a missing person report and that report is being shared with Interpol. I am aware that India has put out the Red Notice if he had indeed fled to another country, it is a matter of time. He will be identified, and then perhaps government of India will have to seek some form of cooperation from whichever country he would have fled too. But we really do not have any tangible information that he has fled the country and law enforcement are doing all they can in order to locate him. WION: Has the Indian government reached out to you? How have you reached out to Interpol? Gaston Browne: The missing persons report that was put out locally is now being shared with Interpol. It is what is called a Green Notice. A Green Notice will be placed internationally for Mehul Choksi as a missing person and that will complement the Red Notice that has been already issued by the government of India, if by chance he has absconded to another country, then as soon as he is identified, action could be taken against him. In so far as cooperation with the Indian government, I spoke to the Indian high commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda this morning, so they fully are aware and we have been collaborating as have done in the beginning of the case. WION: So you have officially informed the Indian government of Mehul Choksi being missing? Gaston Browne: Absolutely, we have. WION: If it is unlikely that he fled the country, what could have happened to him? Gaston Browne: I did not say [it is] unlikely he could have fled the country. What I said is we don't have any reliable information that he has fled the country. What we do know [is] at the airport, he did not use any aircraft... if he would have fled the country it would by way of some form of sea vessel. WION: What are the chances of his extradition, and of him being sent back to India? Gaston Browne: We feel confident that he will be extradited but as you know the law is such that we have to allow the due process. After he exhausted all of his appeals, we will take action to have him extradited. I want to make it clear to the people of India, and the entire world, Mehul Choksi is not welcomed here in Antigua and Barbuda. We want him out of the country, and as soon as he leaves, the better. WION: What is the situation of vaccination in your country and India's support? Gaston Browne: I want to once again thank PM Modi for that very important act of benevolence in which he made 500,000 vaccines available to the Caribbean region. I guarantee you that if it wasn't for those vaccines, we would have seen a greater crisis. I can assure you that he has literally saved tens of thousands of lives here in the Caribbean region and for that, we are eternally grateful. That type of benevolence helps to strengthen both the bilateral and multilateral relations with India. So I think, it was easily one of the most benevolent acts we have seen by any leader within the last century, especially considering India has its own problem. And we all know that India was in the need of those vaccines, but he went the extra mile to assess many countries globally and from that standpoint, he should be commended. We share our empathy with the people of India. We know you are presently going through a crisis with COVID-19 and we just hope in the coming weeks you will get things under control and there will be a significant reduction in hospitalisation and deaths of the Indian people. Our prayers are with you and as we know this is a global issue that requires global solidarity and so we are standing in solidarity with the Indian people WION: How has been the collaboration on climate change between India and your country? Gaston Browne: Climate change is a problem for all humanity and it requires global cooperation and global solidarity. We believe all of us should continue to meet our commitments that we have agreed to in the Paris Accord and I know India has been taking the necessary steps to reduce its emissions and at the same time even to help poorer countries to build the capacity to adapt and mitigate against the effects of climate change. This requires global action in order to save our common humanity...In fact, we are very happy that the US has rejoined the Paris Accord and is now providing leadership in this very significant existential threat that is facing all of humanity. The cooperation goes beyond India and the Caribbean and what is required is global solidarity and cooperation and action in fighting climate change. WION: How do you see India's Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and International Solar Alliance? Gaston Browne: India has been helping countries globally, especially the small vulnerable countries to build capacity and we are impressed by that type of global leadership that is being exerted by India in helping us deal with this most significant existential threat that is facing all humanity.

WION Exclusive: Have informed India on information shared with Interpol, says Antigua & Barbuda's PM on Choksi

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), has gone missing in Antigua and Barbuda, with the police launching a manhunt to trace him since Sunday, local media reports said.

Choksi and Nirav Modi-- who is his nephew and fellow diamantaire--&nbsp;are the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion, fled India before the accusations surfaced in 2018. Modi is incarcerated in the UK, awaiting verdict on a case to extadite him to India.

The Commissioner of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Atlee Rodney, said the force is currently following up on the whereabouts of Choksi, who is rumoured to be missing at this time, local media website antiguanewsroom.com reported.

Choksi, who had taken the citizenship of the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, was seen driving in the southern area of the island on Sunday, according to the reports.

Later, his vehicle was found but there was no trace of Choksi, the reports said.

Questions sent to his lawyer about the reports remained unanswered.

In 2018, Choksi claimed that he had taken Antigua citizenship to expand his business as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported.

(With input from agencies)

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), has gone missing in Antigua and Barbuda, with the police launching a manhunt to trace him since Sunday, local media reports said.

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), has gone missing in Antigua and Barbuda, with the police launching a manhunt to trace him since Sunday, local media reports said. Choksi and Nirav Modi-- who is his nephew and fellow diamantaire-- are the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion, fled India before the accusations surfaced in 2018. Modi is incarcerated in the UK, awaiting verdict on a case to extadite him to India. The Commissioner of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Atlee Rodney, said the force is currently following up on the whereabouts of Choksi, who is rumoured to be missing at this time, local media website antiguanewsroom.com reported. Choksi, who had taken the citizenship of the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, was seen driving in the southern area of the island on Sunday, according to the reports. Later, his vehicle was found but there was no trace of Choksi, the reports said. Questions sent to his lawyer about the reports remained unanswered. In 2018, Choksi claimed that he had taken Antigua citizenship to expand his business as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported. (With input from agencies)

PNB scam: Fugitive Indian diamantaire Mehul Choksi goes missing in Antigua, say reports

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne says that his government has informed India about Mehul Choksi being missing, adding that the information has also been shared with interpol.

Have informed India, information being shared with interpol, says Antigua and Barbuda's PM on Choksi

In an exclusive interview to WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Tuesday said that there is no reliable information that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has fled the country. “We have no reliable information, that he has fled the country, even though there is speculation to that effect”, Browne told WION.

Choksi is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Choksi and Nirav Modi, who is his nephew and fellow diamantaire&nbsp;are the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gaston Browne said that a missing persons report has been put out locally, which “is now being shared with Interpol". Choksi has been missing from the country for over 24 hours.

Gaston Browne told WION that Choksi “had two matters before the courts of Antigua and Barbuda”. One pertained to the revocation of his citizenship and the other about extradition back to India. “He recently asked the case to be expedited and also switched attorney. He recently contracted the services of one&nbsp;Edward Fitzgerald CBE QC, a well-known and celebrated criminal lawyer in the UK”, he added.

“Our&nbsp;STRATCOM has actually issued a missing person report and that report is being shared with Interpol”, he further said. Browne also added that India has put out a “red notice” if Choksi has indeed fled to another country.

&nbsp;“A green notice will be placed internationally for Mehul Choksi as a missing person and that will complement the red notice that has been already issued by government of India”, Browne told WION.

“We feel confident that he will be extradited but as you know the law is such that we have to allow the due process after that he would be expedited his case, exhausted all of his appeals then we will take action to have him extradited”, Browne added.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Tuesday said that there is no reliable information that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has fled the country.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne on Tuesday said that there is no reliable information that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has fled the country. “We have no reliable information, that he has fled the country, even though there is speculation to that effect”, Browne told WION. Choksi is wanted by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Choksi and Nirav Modi, who is his nephew and fellow diamantaire are the key people accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of $2 billion. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gaston Browne said that a missing persons report has been put out locally, which “is now being shared with Interpol". Choksi has been missing from the country for over 24 hours. Gaston Browne told WION that Choksi “had two matters before the courts of Antigua and Barbuda”. One pertained to the revocation of his citizenship and the other about extradition back to India. “He recently asked the case to be expedited and also switched attorney. He recently contracted the services of one Edward Fitzgerald CBE QC, a well-known and celebrated criminal lawyer in the UK”, he added. “Our STRATCOM has actually issued a missing person report and that report is being shared with Interpol”, he further said. Browne also added that India has put out a “red notice” if Choksi has indeed fled to another country. “A green notice will be placed internationally for Mehul Choksi as a missing person and that will complement the red notice that has been already issued by government of India”, Browne told WION. “We feel confident that he will be extradited but as you know the law is such that we have to allow the due process after that he would be expedited his case, exhausted all of his appeals then we will take action to have him extradited”, Browne added.

WION Exclusive: No reliable information on Mehul Choksi fleeing the country, says Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that his govt has informed India of Mehul Choksi missing, with information being also shared with Interpol. Fugitive Choksi is wanted by Indian authorities in the Rs 14,000 cr PNB fraud case and had fled to the country in 2018, with India seeking to extradite him

WION Exclusive with Gaston Browne over Mehul Choksi missing

Prime Minister Gaston Browne speaks with WION over fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's missing case from Caribbean island nation Antigua & Barbuda, where he had been staying since January 2018.

WION Exclusive with Gaston Browne over Mehul Choksi missing case

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in connection with ₹14,000 crore PNB loan fraud and money-laundering case, has gone missing in the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antiguan police: Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is missing

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and online video streaming platform Netflix on PNB scam accused Mehul Choksi's appeal against the dismissal of his plea to pre-screen the 'Bad Boy Billionaires' docuseries.

A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan issued notice to the Centre and Netflix and sought their stand by September 23 on Choksi's appeal.

Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for the PNB scam accused, said he was only seeking that the matter be remanded back to the single judge who had dismissed as not maintainable the plea to pre-screen the docuseries.

The single judge had on August 28 denied any relief to Choksi, saying a writ petition for enforcement of a private right was not maintainable.

The high court had said his remedy lies in a civil suit and granted him the liberty to raise the issue in a civil suit.

Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are accused in the Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

Choksi left the country last year and was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda.

The documentary, which was scheduled for release in India on September 2, was promoted by Netflix as: "This investigative docuseries explores the greed, fraud and corruption that built up - and ultimately brought down - India's most infamous tycoons".

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and online video streaming platform Netflix on PNB scam accused Mehul Choksi's appeal against the dismissal of his plea to pre-screen the 'Bad Boy Billionaires' docuseries.

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and online video streaming platform Netflix on PNB scam accused Mehul Choksi's appeal against the dismissal of his plea to pre-screen the 'Bad Boy Billionaires' docuseries. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan issued notice to the Centre and Netflix and sought their stand by September 23 on Choksi's appeal. Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for the PNB scam accused, said he was only seeking that the matter be remanded back to the single judge who had dismissed as not maintainable the plea to pre-screen the docuseries. The single judge had on August 28 denied any relief to Choksi, saying a writ petition for enforcement of a private right was not maintainable. The high court had said his remedy lies in a civil suit and granted him the liberty to raise the issue in a civil suit. Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are accused in the Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Choksi left the country last year and was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda. The documentary, which was scheduled for release in India on September 2, was promoted by Netflix as: "This investigative docuseries explores the greed, fraud and corruption that built up - and ultimately brought down - India's most infamous tycoons".

High Court seeks Centre, Netflix response to Mehul Choksi's plea on 'Bad Boy Billionaires' docuseries

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till November 11 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-involving-nirav-modi-timeline-and-how-the-events-unfolded-leading-to-his-arrest-204534">fraud and money laundering</a> case.

The 48-year-old businessman appeared before the Westminster Magistrates` Court Judge via video link from Wandsworth prison in south-west London, where he is currently lodged.

The diamantaire and his nephew Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the PNB loan default case. The duo fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pnb-scam-uk-court-issues-arrest-warrant-against-nirav-modi-cbi-ed-officials-to-visit-london-soon-204148">Modi was arrested </a>on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the case and is in prison since then. He has not returned to India despite repeated summonses from Indian probe agencies and courts.

India is seeking his extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing the economic offences. The extradition trial of Nirav Modi is expected to begin in May 2020.

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till November 11 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till November 11 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old businessman appeared before the Westminster Magistrates` Court Judge via video link from Wandsworth prison in south-west London, where he is currently lodged. The diamantaire and his nephew Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the PNB loan default case. The duo fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light. Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the case and is in prison since then. He has not returned to India despite repeated summonses from Indian probe agencies and courts. India is seeking his extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing the economic offences. The extradition trial of Nirav Modi is expected to begin in May 2020.

Nirav Modi's judicial custody extended till November 11 by London court

Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty, said fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's lawyer in an official statement on Thursday.

The advocate's statement comes after Antigua and Barbuda <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-will-be-extradited-antigua-pm-252096">Prime Minister Gaston Browne</a> told ANI that Choksi would be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Antigua PM: Mehul Choksi will be extradited to India

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/antigua-pm-mehul-choksi-will-be-extradited-to-india-252225/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"My client Mehul Choksi is a law-abiding citizen. He left India for his medical treatment and at that time there were no CBI or ED criminal proceedings pending against him nor was there anything conceived against him. He is exercising various legal remedies available in law," lawyer Vijay Aggarwal stated.

"He is not able to travel back to India due to serious health concerns. He has availed legal remedies available under Antiguan law also. Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty. He is entitled to avail of all legal remedies. He shall prove his innocence in due course of time," he added.

Speaking to ANI, Browne had said that "Indian authorities have the 'right'&nbsp;to come to Antigua and Barbuda to interrogate him.

They can come and if they wish to interview Choksi based on his willingness to participate, it has nothing to do with the Antiguan government.

Browne stated, "I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time."

Browne said that it is "unfortunate" that Choksi was cleared by Indian officials as a person in "good standing" only to be told later that he is a "crook".

"In any case, our officials acted based on the information from India and made him a citizen, the Indian officials have to take the responsibility for that situation," he said.

Choksi and his nephew <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/london-westminster-court-remands-nirav-modi-to-judicial-custody-till-september-19-244793">Nirav Modi</a>, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case.

Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.

On June 17, Choksi had submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, stating that he is residing in Antigua and was willing to co-operate in the investigation into the PNB scam.

Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty, said fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's lawyer in an official statement on Thursday.

Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty, said fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's lawyer in an official statement on Thursday. The advocate's statement comes after Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told ANI that Choksi would be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country. Watch Video: Antigua PM: Mehul Choksi will be extradited to India × "My client Mehul Choksi is a law-abiding citizen. He left India for his medical treatment and at that time there were no CBI or ED criminal proceedings pending against him nor was there anything conceived against him. He is exercising various legal remedies available in law," lawyer Vijay Aggarwal stated. "He is not able to travel back to India due to serious health concerns. He has availed legal remedies available under Antiguan law also. Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty. He is entitled to avail of all legal remedies. He shall prove his innocence in due course of time," he added. Speaking to ANI, Browne had said that "Indian authorities have the 'right' to come to Antigua and Barbuda to interrogate him. They can come and if they wish to interview Choksi based on his willingness to participate, it has nothing to do with the Antiguan government. Browne stated, "I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time." Browne said that it is "unfortunate" that Choksi was cleared by Indian officials as a person in "good standing" only to be told later that he is a "crook". "In any case, our officials acted based on the information from India and made him a citizen, the Indian officials have to take the responsibility for that situation," he said. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018. On June 17, Choksi had submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, stating that he is residing in Antigua and was willing to co-operate in the investigation into the PNB scam.

Every person facing accusations presumed innocent until proven guilty: Choksi's lawyer

mehul-choksi

Mehul Choksi, News on Mehul Choksi, stories on Mehul Choksi, articles on Mehul Choksi, Mehul Choksi stories at Wion, Mehul Choksi news, Mehul Choksi latest news

mehul choksi

Mehul Choksi's wife says my husband is an Antiguan citizen

PNB scam: Mehul Choksi denied bail by magistrate court on charges of illegal entry into Dominica

Dominica's opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to the country

Dominica's opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to the country

Was the opposition briefed by the Dominica govt?

Opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to Dominica

Opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to Dominica

Mehul Choksi Citizenship Row: Efforts underway to extradite fugitive businessman

Mehul Choksi Case: Controversy erupts in Antigua

Yacht owner Andrew O'brien rejects Mehul Choksi's abduction claims

Treat Mehul Choksi as a citizen, says Antiguan opposition party

PNB scam: Dominican court stays Mehul Choksi's repatriation to India

WION Exclusive | Vijay Aggarwal: Choksi never leave Antigua voluntarily, he was abducted

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's repatriation stayed by Dominica court

Fugitive Mehul Choksi's legal team files habeas corpus petition in a court of the Carribean island

Missing fugitive Mehul Choksi found in Dominica

Watch: Mehul Choksi could be in India in 48 hours, says Antigua and Barbuda PM

WION Exclusive | Antigua PM says, "Mehul Choksi could be deported to India within next 48 hrs"

Dominica confirms fugitive Mehul Choksi's detention, hints at repatriation to Antigua

Report: Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi captured in Dominica

Gravitas: Mehul Choksi goes missing in Antigua

WION Exclusive: Have informed India on information shared with Interpol, says Antigua & Barbuda's PM on Choksi

PNB scam: Fugitive Indian diamantaire Mehul Choksi goes missing in Antigua, say reports

Have informed India, information being shared with interpol, says Antigua and Barbuda's PM on Choksi

WION Exclusive: No reliable information on Mehul Choksi fleeing the country, says Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Browne

WION Exclusive with Gaston Browne over Mehul Choksi missing