Belgium court gives clean-chit to extradition of Mehul Choksi, rejecting claims of potential torture

A Belgium court rejected ‘inhumane and torture treatment’ claims by Fugitive diamantaire Mehuk Choksi, who had been arrested in Antwerp, Belgium, by the Belgium police on April 11 in the involvement of ₹13,500 crore with Punjab National Bank (PNB) bank loan fraud case.  Before this, he had been denied bail multiple times.

One of the main arguments made by Mehul Choksi was, following the extradition, he might face denial of justice or torture or inhumane and degrading treatment a the hands of the agencies. His plea also cited reports by NGOs claiming violent and abusive interrogation practices happening in India.

The court ruled that general reports can't be applied to individual cases and that Choksi failed to show a real, personal risk if extradited. The court emphasized that extradition law requires specific evidence about the individual, not broad allegations based on reports.

The Court stated that the material placed on record regarding the Tihar Jail by Choksi did not apply to the diamantaire’s  situation.

India, on the other hand , assured that the fugitive diamantaire will get safe custody in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Prison, specially in Barrack No.12 which will have attached sanitation facilities including clean water, nutritious meals, newspaper, television , private doctor and no solitary confinement.

Choksi would remain under judicial custody and not in the control of investigative agencies. India is also giving various assurances to Belgium regarding the safety and the charges he would face during the trials in India. The court’s decision basically clears the final legal obstacle, paving the way for the extradition of Mehul Choksi to India.