India Moves to Extradite Mehul Choksi from Belgium, Offers Jail Details

September 8, 2025

New Delhi: The Center told the Belgian government in a letter that Choksi will be kept in barrack number 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. There is a capacity of 6 people in a cell.

The letter said that if Choksi is brought to India from Belgium, he will be treated humanely. He has been assured of more than 14 facilities. However, information about when the Center wrote this letter for Choksi’s extradition has not been revealed.

On the extradition appeal of Indian investigative agencies, Choksi was arrested in Belgium on April 12. He and his nephew Nirav Modi are the main accused in the PNB fraud case. Fugitive Nirav is in London. Efforts are also on for his extradition. Both of them left India in 2018.

It was said in the letter- Mumbai has less heat, so there is no AC in the jail

•The Home Ministry said that till the letter was sent, 2 cells of Barrack No. 12 in Arthur Jail were vacant. The cells have grilled windows, ventilators and ceiling fans. Mumbai’s weather is generally pleasant throughout the year and it is not very hot. Therefore, there is no air conditioning facility in the cells. Usually it is not even needed.

•’ The cells in Mumbai jail are swept and mopped daily and cleanliness is taken care of. Regular cleaning, pest control and water supply are done by the municipality. There is an attached toilet and bathroom away from the living area. There are also bathing facilities inside the cell.’

•’Special dietary requirements will also be arranged as advised by doctors. Facilities include a jail canteen, fruits, and basic snacks. Exercise is allowed in the courtyard, and indoor entertainment includes board games and badminton. The jail also has facilities for yoga, meditation, and a library.’

•Medical facilities are provided 24 hours a day, with six medical officers, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory support. There is a 20-bed jail hospital with ICU, and in case of emergency, patients can be referred to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, about three kilometres away. Prisoners can also avail private medical facilities at their own expense.

Choksi was preparing to flee to Switzerland

It was revealed in March that Mehul Choksi was in Belgium. According to reports, Mehul was living with his wife Preeti Choksi, who has got Belgian citizenship. The Belgian Foreign Ministry had informed India about Choksi’s presence.

According to sources, Mehul Choksi was trying to escape from Belgium to Switzerland. While arresting Choksi, the police cited two arrest warrants. These were issued by a Mumbai court. These warrants were dated 23 May 2018 and 15 June 2021.

Obtained residency card with the help of wife

Choksi, with the help of his wife, obtained Belgium’s ‘F Residency Card’ on November 15, 2023. Reports claimed that Choksi had submitted fake documents to the Belgian authorities. He hid his Indian and Antiguan citizenship and gave wrong information so that he could not be deported to India.

Before leaving India in 2018, Choksi had taken citizenship of Antigua-Barbuda in 2017 itself. Choksi repeatedly refused to appear in India citing ill health. Sometimes he used to appear through video conferencing. Many of his properties in India have also been confiscated.