Mehul Choksi has informed the court that he cannot return to India due to severe health issues, with doctors declaring him incapable of travel until August 2025. He claims to have suffered mental health problems following his alleged abduction in 2023 and insists he is cooperating with Indian authorities. However, officials dispute his claims, emphasizing the need for his return to face criminal charges related to a significant bank fraud case.
Mehul Choksi has informed the court that he is unable to return to India due to his health conditions, supported by medical reports. A doctor from Antwerp has declared Choksi as “100% incapable of travelling” until August 30, 2025. Additionally, a psychiatrist’s evaluation reveals Choksi is experiencing “suicidal thoughts” and has been diagnosed with severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly following his alleged abduction by Indian authorities in 2023.
Choksi asserts his inability to engage with Indian agencies beyond attempted video-conferencing sessions, arguing that he has been cooperative despite his physical conditions. However, Indian officials have expressed skepticism towards his claims, emphasizing the need for him to return to India for necessary medical treatment. The official stated, “India has some of the top-notch doctors and hospitals. He can return to his motherland and get treated here.”
Choksi has requested not to be designated as a “fugitive economic offender,” maintaining that his absence is due to health-related challenges rather than evasion of justice. He explained that he traveled to Brussels under risky conditions to secure medical treatment due to insufficient facilities in Antigua. Currently, Indian investigative agencies are actively pursuing his return from Belgium, where he was last spotted.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has sought to detain Choksi following the revelation of his location. Formal extradition proceedings were initiated by Belgian officials last year, with Indian authorities completing the necessary processes for Choksi’s eventual return to face the legal consequences of his involvement in a $2 billion bank fraud.
In summary, Mehul Choksi has presented his inability to return to India due to serious medical issues, backed by medical professionals’ opinions. While claiming cooperation via video conferencing, Indian officials maintain that he must return to face justice. The pursuit of extradition continues as Choksi seeks to clarify his status concerning the fraud charges against him.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
