Mehul Choksi, alleging serious health issues, claims he cannot travel to India, supported by medical opinions stating he is unfit. He has experienced suicidal thoughts and severe depression following an abduction he attributes to Indian authorities. Indian officials doubt his health claims and emphasize the necessity of his in-person cooperation in an ongoing fraud investigation, pushing for his extradition from Belgium.
Mehul Choksi, a diamond merchant, informed the court that he is unable to travel to India due to serious health conditions, citing a medical opinion stating he is “100% incapable of travelling” until at least August 30, 2025. His application includes psychiatric evaluations indicating he suffers from severe depression and suicidal thoughts, allegedly stemming from an abduction incident in 2023, which he claims was orchestrated by Indian officials. Choksi asserts that he has made attempts to cooperate with investigators via video conferencing, but his efforts have been disregarded.
Indian authorities are skeptical of Choksi’s medical claims, emphasizing their capability to provide treatment domestically. Officials argue that his video conferencing offers should not equate to legitimate cooperation, given the gravity of his allegations in a $2 billion bank fraud case. They stress that he must be confronted with evidence in person to further the investigation.
Choksi’s request to not be labeled a “fugitive economic offender” revolves around his claims of being physically unable to return to India due to his health. Despite his medical condition, he traveled to Belgium seeking treatment, despite admitting it was a risk. Indian agencies are actively pursuing his extradition following his sighting in Belgium, and the Central Bureau of Investigation is pressing for his immediate detention due to his involvement in the fraud case.
Choksi’s inability to return to India stems from severe medical conditions, according to his claims and medical opinions. His mental health issues were reportedly initiated by a previous abduction, challenging the legality of his situation. Meanwhile, Indian authorities call for his return and caution against accepting his health claims at face value, given the serious fraud charges against him.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
