India Gives Belgium Human Rights Assurances in Extradition Case Against Antiguan Citizen Mehul Choksi

The Government of India has provided formal assurances to Belgium regarding the conditions under which Antiguan citizen and Indian-born businessman Mehul Choksi would be detained if extradited. The assurances were issued in a detailed communication from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice, as New Delhi seeks to secure his return to face trial.

Choksi, who obtained Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in 2017 through the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, was arrested in Belgium in April. He is a key accused—alongside his nephew Nirav Modi—in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case.

In its letter, India outlined specific safeguards to address human rights concerns. Medical care would include 24-hour supervision by six doctors and support staff, with a 20-bed prison hospital providing ICU services. Emergency referrals would be made to Mumbai’s Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, while private medical treatment could be arranged at Choksi’s own expense, particularly for pre-existing conditions.

Authorities also committed to housing Choksi in Barrack No. 12, a facility reserved for non-violent offenders and separated from the main prison population. The barrack is under constant CCTV surveillance, and provisions will be made for legal access, family visits, and communication.

The assurances were developed in consultation with the Maharashtra Government and prison authorities, and form part of India’s extradition request in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case. Choksi faces charges under multiple provisions of Indian law, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, falsification of accounts, and relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Choksi, who has lived in Antigua and Barbuda for several years, maintains his innocence. However, Indian authorities are pushing for his extradition to stand trial in what remains one of the country’s largest financial scandals.