The affidavit that sealed it: How India convinced Belgian court to dismiss Mehul Choksi's appeal; PNB fraud case accused cleared for extradition

NEW DELHI: India submitted an affidavit to a Belgian court containing detailed architectural drawings and interior photographs of Mumbai’s high-security Arthur Road Jail, where fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi will be lodged following his future extradition in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

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The affidavit sought to assure the Belgian court of “humane” detention conditions for Choksi, who is an accused in the multi-crore scam, news agency ANI reported.

The images, dated June 5 and part of a set of six technical sheets titled “Prison Conditions Barrack 12, Arthur Road Prison, Mumbai”, were prepared by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

According to the drawings, Barrack No. 12, designated for Choksi, measures approximately 46.5 square metres (around 500 sq. ft.) and includes a main room, passage, wash area, and toilet.

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The facility features ventilated windows with mosquito netting, grilled doors for security, CCTV surveillance, ceiling fans, and tube lighting. It also includes a wash basin and shower with running water, along with PVC flooring and tiled walls for improved hygiene.

Additionally, a mobile jammer has been installed at the beam level, and a CCTV camera is positioned near the ventilator to ensure continuous monitoring.

Choksi, who had opposed his extradition citing alleged threats to his life and concerns about prison conditions in India, has been ruled extraditable by the Antwerp Court of Appeal. The ruling paves the way for his return to India to face trial in the PNB fraud case .

In its detailed judgment, the court observed that the offences shall be punishable under Indian law by virtue of Sections 120-B read with 201, 409, 420, and 477-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Sections 7 and 13(2) read with 13(1) (c) and (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act , 1988, each carrying a sentence of more than one year.