Mehul Choksi claims he cannot return to India due to a cancer diagnosis, supported by multiple medical opinions. He asserts that his mental health has significantly deteriorated following his alleged abduction. Indian authorities dispute his assertions, emphasizing the necessity for his return to face charges linked to a major fraud case. The Central Bureau of Investigation seeks to detain him in Belgium.
Mehul Choksi has informed a court that he is unable to travel to India due to his cancer diagnosis, supported by medical reports. He has included the opinion of a Belgian doctor confirming his complete incapacity for travel until August 2025. Furthermore, a psychiatrist’s report highlights Choksi’s struggles with suicidal thoughts linked to his mental health decline following his alleged abduction in 2023. Other reports indicate he is experiencing severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Choksi claims repeated attempts to cooperate with Indian authorities via video-link have been unsuccessful. A senior government official stated that Choksi’s medical claims need verification, asserting that India has access to top-tier medical facilities, which would allow him to receive treatment. They emphasized that he must return to India to face the charges against him, as he is a significant suspect in a $2 billion bank fraud case.
In his legal application, Choksi argued against being labeled a “fugitive economic offender,” claiming he is unable to return to India solely due to his health issues rather than attempting to evade legal proceedings. He stated that due to inadequate medical facilities in Antigua, he traveled to Brussels for urgent medical attention despite the risks to his health.
Indian investigative agencies are actively pursuing his return from Belgium, where he currently resides, as he is considered a critical suspect in a substantial financial fraud case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has requested his detention after learning about his location. Following established protocols, Indian authorities have completed extradition requests to ensure that Choksi can be detained and eventually returned to India for trial.
In summary, Mehul Choksi has presented a case to the court arguing that his medical conditions prevent his travel to India. Despite his claims, government officials contend that he must return to face serious charges related to alleged financial fraud. The ongoing pursuit of Choksi by Indian authorities underscores the complexities of international legal cooperation in cases of this nature.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
