India has formally assured Belgium of the conditions under which fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi will be held if extradited in connection with the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case. Choksi, arrested by Belgian authorities in April this year, is one of the prime accused in the Rs 13,500 crore fraud along with his nephew Nirav Modi. In a detailed letter to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs outlined prison conditions at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, addressing concerns raised about human rights as part of the extradition process.
The Indian government stated that Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail has been designated for Choksi’s detention. The barrack, which has a capacity of six inmates, will provide Choksi with humane and dignified treatment in line with international guidelines. Authorities assured Belgium that he will have a minimum of three square metres of personal space, access to washrooms, clean drinking water, bedding, medical care, and other necessary facilities. The conditions have been described as compliant with the standards of the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture.
The letter further explained that the detention cell has provisions for a cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet, and blanket, while a metal or wooden bed can be provided if required for medical reasons. Adequate lighting, ventilation, and storage space for personal items will also be available. Choksi will be permitted daily outdoor exercise in an open yard and indoor recreational activities such as board games and casual badminton. The prison additionally provides yoga, meditation, and access to a library, ensuring physical and mental well-being.
Regarding food and nutrition, the Ministry stated that Choksi will be provided with three meals a day, and special dietary requirements will be accommodated with medical approval. A jail canteen offering fruits and basic snacks will also be accessible to him. The assurance highlights that food quality and availability will match the standard policies applicable to all prisoners, without any form of discrimination.
The Indian government emphasized that Choksi will be treated according to the lodging policy in place at Arthur Road Jail and will not face any form of discrimination. The sovereign assurance, made in consultation with the Maharashtra government and senior prison officials, guarantees that he will receive the same rights and facilities available to other inmates. This was a crucial part of the commitment as Belgium had raised concerns over alleged poor prison conditions in India, which Choksi’s legal team had earlier argued were “grave.”
Medical care formed an important section of the assurance. The prison houses a 20-bed hospital with an intensive care unit, staffed by six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support. In case of emergencies, detainees can be referred to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, located only three kilometres away. Additionally, detainees may seek private medical care at their own expense if they wish to do so. Authorities also assured round-the-clock medical availability within the jail premises.
The letter to Belgium reflects India’s determination to address human rights concerns comprehensively, ensuring that extradition proceedings are not hindered by claims of substandard detention. By highlighting adherence to international prison standards, India aims to strengthen its case for securing Choksi’s return to face trial in the high-profile fraud case.
For India, Choksi’s extradition is significant in the broader effort to bring back economic offenders who have fled abroad after being accused of massive financial crimes. The PNB fraud case, one of the largest banking scams in India’s history, has had major implications for the country’s financial sector and enforcement mechanisms. Both Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi have been pursued internationally, with Modi facing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The assurance sent to Belgium is not only about Choksi but also a message to other countries where Indian fugitives reside, demonstrating that India is prepared to meet international standards of detention while ensuring that justice is served. The government’s detailed description of living conditions, recreational activities, food, and medical care indicates a proactive approach to counter legal arguments commonly used by fugitives seeking to avoid extradition.
As the extradition process continues, the final decision lies with Belgian authorities. However, India’s assurances may play a critical role in countering defense arguments and expediting Choksi’s return. If extradited, Choksi will face trial in India where investigative agencies have accused him of orchestrating one of the country’s largest financial frauds.
The case against him remains emblematic of India’s wider campaign to bring back fugitives involved in economic crimes and restore accountability in cases where billions of rupees have been defrauded from public institutions. For now, the sovereign assurance stands as India’s formal guarantee that Choksi will be held in conditions that respect human rights, as international law and treaties require.
