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Fugitive Diamond Trader Mehul Choksi Suffers Setback As Belgian Court Deems Extradition Arguments ‘Irrelevant’

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Mumbai: Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi’s claims that he faced a risk to life, denial of fair trial rights, torture, politically motivated prosecution, targeting based on his religion, nationality, or political beliefs, lack of adequate medical care in an Indian prison, and alleged kidnapping were all rejected by the Belgian court. The court ruled these arguments as “irrelevant” and unsubstantiated in the context of his extradition to India in connection with the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. 

Choksi,( 66), who holds Indian and Antigua-Barbuda nationality, has been in custody in Antwerp since April 2025. Officials familiar with the case said the ruling strengthens India’s bid for his extradition but noted that he can appeal the Court of Appeal’s preliminary judgment before the Belgian Supreme Court within 15 days, potentially prolonging the legal process.  

Choksi had argued that the Belgium government could not extradite him without being held internationally liable. He claimed he would face blatant denial of justice, torture, inhuman treatment, and politically motivated trials in India. He also alleged that Indian authorities had kidnapped him in Antigua, challenging the legality of the extradition process.

Choksi’s claim of being kidnapped in Antigua by Indian authorities in may 2021, which he argued involved forcible transfer to Dominica and then India, was a central point in his Belgian extradition proceedings. He submitted multiple documents, including INTERPOL Files Control Commission (CCF) submissions from 2018 to 2022, to support his allegation.  

However, the Belgian court confirmed that Choksi, who holds Indian and Antigua-Barbuda nationality, is regarded as a foreigner under Belgian law and is subject to extradition in accordance with the Belgian Extradition Act of 1874. The court further ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support his kidnapping claim, observing that the documents submitted were inconclusive and conditional, with no direct proof that Choksi had been abducted by Indian authorities. It dismissed the kidnapping allegation, stating that it did not affect the validity of the extradition process. 

The court also found that documents submitted by Choksi and his legal team were deemed inadequate to demonstrate any real or imminent risk to his life or safety. Claims of a politically motivated trial or violation of his right to a fair trial in Indian jail were also found unsubstantiated, with references to media coverage and NGO reports considered irrelevant to his specific case.  

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had requested Choksi’s extradition based on two arrest warrants issued by the Special Judge at the CBI, Greater Mumbai, on May 23, 2018, and June 15, 2021. Charges include criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, fraud, destruction of evidence, forgery, obtaining illegal gratification, and criminal misconduct by an official.

The Chamber of Accusation at the Court of Appeals, in its October 17, 2025 order, confirmed that all offences listed in India’s extradition request, except “causing disappearance of evidence”are recognised as criminal offences under Belgian law, satisfying the conditions of the Belgian Extradition Act of 1874.    

Choksi had contended that his extradition to India would expose him to serious risks, including threats to his life, torture, and inhuman or degrading treatment. He also claimed that the proceedings against him were politically motivated and that he could be targeted based on his religion, nationality, or political beliefs. Additionally, Choksi argued that his right to a fair trial could be violated due to alleged media bias and the purported lack of independence of the Indian judiciary, and that some charges might fall under non-extraditable categories, including military or fiscal offenses.

Choksi also claimed that it would be impossible for him to receive adequate medical care for his fragile physical and mental health in an Indian prison.

However, the Belgian court also examined assurances provided by Indian authorities regarding Choksi’s detention arrangements. According to the details submitted, he would be lodged in Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, in Barrack No. 12, which comprises two cells with private sanitation facilities and a total area of about 46 square metres. He would be moved only for medical reasons or court appearances and would remain under judicial supervision rather than investigative custody.

The court observed that these conditions are sufficient to safeguard Choksi’s rights, ensuring that he would not be subjected to violence, torture, or inhuman treatment, while maintaining his access to a fair trial.  

Choksi, who has been in custody in Antwerp since April 2025, retains the right to challenge the verdict before the Belgian Supreme Court within 15 days. The appeal, if filed, is expected to prolong the extradition process, though officials said the latest ruling has considerably strengthened India’s efforts to secure his return to face trial in the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Crime

Navi Mumbai: Four Booked for Assault and Sexual Harassment Of 18-Year-Old Girl In Sanpada

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Navi Mumbai, October 23: Four persons have been booked for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting an 18-year-old girl after forcibly entering her residence in Sanpada, police said on Thursday.

According to officials from the Sanpada Police Station, the incident took place on the night of October 20 when one of the accused, who had earlier claimed to be in love with the victim, arrived at her home along with three associates.

The group allegedly barged into the house, confronted the girl, and touched her inappropriately. When the victim resisted and asked them to leave, one of the men reportedly attacked her with an iron rod, causing injuries.

During the altercation, the victim’s brother tried to intervene but was also physically assaulted by the accused. The group fled the scene soon after the incident, police said.

Following a complaint, a case was registered against four persons, two of whom are yet to be identified. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, assault, and house trespass, officials confirmed.

As of Thursday, no arrests have been made in the case. The police have launched a manhunt to trace the accused, and further investigation is underway.

Authorities said the statements of the victim and witnesses have been recorded, and medical examination reports are awaited.

“The accused will be arrested soon. We are verifying their backgrounds and gathering evidence,” an officer from Sanpada Police Station said.

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National News

‘Modi’s Mission’: New book on Prime Minister’s journey from Vadnagar to PMO to be unveiled tomorrow

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New Delhi, Oct 23: A new book titled ‘Modi Mission’ is set to join the list of biographies written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extraordinary life and political journey and will be unveiled in Mumbai on Friday.

The book, penned by noted writer Berjis Desai, chronicles PM Modi’s extraordinary personal journey from a humble childhood in Vadnagar to the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).

The book will be released by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, and the event will be attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, besides other high-profile dignitaries.

According to the writer, ‘Modi’s Mission’ is not a biography but a story of ideas. In the book, he discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emergence as an instrument of national awakening despite insurmountable odds and innumerable challengers.

The book discusses formative experiences from PM Modi’s childhood and youth that have shaped his socio-economic philosophy and his outlook on governance. The book seeks to ‘expose’ the falsehoods circulated by a section of the intellectual elite about PM Modi to ‘derail’ governance.

The book also provides a comprehensive yet accessible account of PM Modi’s consistent efforts to strengthen India’s civilizational pride and create an efficient welfare state.

It also sheds light on how PM Modi’s leadership raised India’s collective consciousness and ensured transparent, result-oriented governance. From the formalisation of the Indian economy to the abrogation of Article 370, the book outlines PM Modi’s methodical approach for undertaking momentous decisions.

Notably, the author Berjis Desai is a Mumbai-based lawyer and writer. He has authored multiple books, including the critically acclaimed books on Parsi culture — ‘Oh! Those Parsis’ and ‘The Bawaji’. The book ‘Modi Mission’ has been published by Rupa Publications.

In advance praise for the book, the country’s leading industrialist, Anand Mahindra, said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the most closely watched leaders of the 21st century. This book explores how, anchored by an unmistakable love for our country, he has sought to lift its place in the world with relentless energy.”

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National News

Bhai Dooj 2025: Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray Unite To Celebrate The Festival With Sister Jaywanti In Mumbai

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Mumbai, October 23: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray celebrated Bhai Dooj with their sister Jaywanti Thackeray Deshpande at their residence in Dadar on Thursday.

The Thackeray siblings were seen together as Jaywanti Thackeray Deshpande performed the traditional tilak ceremony, marking the festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The occasion coincided with the conclusion of Diwali festivities across the state.

The images from the celebration, which surfaced on social media, captured a warm family moment shared by the prominent political family in Maharashtra.

In Pune, Minister of State (MoS) Murlidhar Mohol also celebrated Bhai Dooj with his sister. Sharing a video of the celebration, Mohol extended greetings to people on the occasion.

“This is part of our rich culture. During the festival of Diwali, we also celebrate Bhai Dooj, a sacred festival that honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters. I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone on this occasion of Bhai Dooj,” he said.

Bhai Dooj, celebrated two days after Diwali, symbolises the affection and protection shared between brothers and sisters. The day is marked across India with traditional rituals, prayers, and family gatherings.

With political leaders and citizens alike celebrating the occasion, Bhai Dooj once again served as a reminder of the enduring strength of family ties and cultural traditions in Maharashtra.

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