A Belgian court has denied bail to Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. The decision comes after Choksi was arrested in Belgium last week at the request of Indian authorities.

Choksi’s Legal Team Responds

Choksi’s lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, expressed disappointment over the court’s decision but noted that Belgian law allows for multiple bail applications. He said, “Unfortunately, my client has been denied bail today. However, in Belgium, we can apply for bail as many times as needed. We will carefully consider the court’s observations and submit a fresh bail plea on new grounds soon.”

Extradition Challenges

Aggarwal also reiterated that the legal team would contest Choksi’s extradition on two main grounds: the political nature of the case and concerns regarding his medical condition and treatment in India. He earlier stated that Choksi has cooperated with Indian investigative agencies and has repeatedly offered to join the investigation via video conferencing due to his health issues.

Background and Previous Attempts

The legal team has also pointed out procedural prerequisites for extradition, including the issuance of non-bailable warrants since 2018. Aggarwal noted that previous attempts to extradite Choksi from Dominica had failed, and Choksi had been receiving medical treatment in Antigua before travelling to Belgium for cancer care.

Global Condemnation of Terrorism

The Pahalgam terror attack has sparked global condemnation, with world leaders expressing their solidarity with India and vowing to combat terrorism. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for continued vigilance and decisive action against those who seek to disrupt peace and stability.

The Path Forward

The legal battle surrounding Mehul Choksi’s extradition is expected to continue. The Belgian court’s decision to deny bail is a setback for Choksi’s legal team, but they have indicated their intention to appeal the decision. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for India’s efforts to extradite fugitives accused of financial crimes.