India has given Belgium formal assurances on the detention conditions of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, strengthening its case for extradition in the multi-billion-rupee Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud.
Officials said Choksi, if extradited, would be housed in Arthur Road Jail’s Barrack No. 12 in Mumbai. The Ministry of Home Affairs outlined safeguards covering personal space, sanitation, medical access, and visitation rights, aimed at meeting international human rights standards.
Key Assurances
- Minimum three square meters of personal space with proper bedding.
- The attached toilet, adequate lighting, ventilation, and drinking water are provided.
- Daily access to medical care, exercise, and recreation.
- CCTV monitoring, with no solitary confinement.
- Permission for legal consultations and family visits.
The move comes as Belgian courts weigh India’s request to return Choksi, who was arrested in Brussels earlier this year. His bail application was previously rejected over flight-risk concerns.
India’s explicit detailing of custodial safeguards reflects a strategic effort to address international scrutiny around prison standards. Extradition cases often hinge not only on evidence but also on assurances that detainees will be treated in line with global norms.
Diplomatic observers note that India’s proactive stance could set a precedent for future high-profile extradition cases, where human rights arguments are frequently used as a defense strategy.
Choksi, a key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud, has been evading Indian authorities since 2018. His return would mark a significant breakthrough for India’s enforcement agencies, which have been pursuing multiple economic offenders overseas.
For New Delhi, the case is both legal and reputational—showcasing its resolve to bring back high-profile fugitives while reassuring international partners of its commitment to due process.
