Choksi’s Arrest Sparks Hope, But Extradition Won’t Be Easy: Complainant Khuraniya
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Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, wanted for one of India’s largest bank frauds, was arrested in Belgium on Saturday, raising fresh hope for justice among victims and legal complainants. However, Vaibhav Khuraniya, a key complainant in a fraud case against Choksi, expressed skepticism over India’s ability to successfully extradite him.
Speaking to ANI, Khuraniya noted that legal complications and past failures, particularly in the case of Vijay Mallya, make him doubtful about Choksi’s return to Indian soil anytime soon.
“Not Going to Be Easy”: Khuraniya on Choksi’s Extradition
Khuraniya, who filed an FIR in 2016 against Mehul Choksi, said:
“I just hope, although I don’t think it’s going to work out. Since they couldn’t get Vijay Mallya for so long, I don’t think he can be brought back to India so easily because there are so many legalities involved.”
He added that the arrest may offer temporary satisfaction, but actual justice can only begin once Choksi is brought back and tried in Indian courts.
5 Key Legal Challenges to Extraditing Mehul Choksi
- Belgium’s Strict Legal Framework
Belgium has a complex extradition process that prioritises human rights protection, making it harder to deport fugitives quickly. - Possession of Multiple Citizenships
Choksi previously held Antiguan citizenship, and Belgium may need to coordinate with multiple jurisdictions to proceed. - Lack of Bilateral Treaty with Belgium
India and Belgium do not have an active extradition treaty, which complicates direct extradition requests. - Pending Legal Proceedings Abroad
Any local investigation or pending criminal case in Belgium can delay or derail India’s extradition plea. - Human Rights Pleas and Medical Grounds
Like in the Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya cases, Choksi could cite health conditions or risk of persecution in India to resist extradition.
The FIR That Started It All: Khuraniya’s Fraud Case
The origin of Khuraniya’s complaint traces back to 2013, when he and his associate signed a retail franchise agreement with Gitanjali Gems, led by Choksi.
According to the FIR filed at Amar Colony police station in 2016, Choksi’s firm promised diamond stocks worth ₹3 crore for a ₹1.5 crore deposit, but only ₹50-70 lakh worth of substandard goods were delivered at the store opening in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi.
“He has been selling very low-quality diamonds at exceptionally high rates. That’s probably why even Nirav Modi is in jail,” Khuraniya commented.
Who Is Mehul Choksi? The Man Behind the ₹13,850 Crore Scam
- Mehul Choksi is a 65-year-old diamond tycoon and owner of Gitanjali Gems Ltd.
- He fled India in January 2018, days before the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam came to light.
- Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are accused of defrauding PNB of ₹13,850 crore using fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs).
- He was earlier granted citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, where he had taken refuge until 2021.
Choksi is currently wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and corruption.
Comparisons with Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi
Khuraniya’s reference to Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi highlights India’s limited success in high-profile extradition cases:
- Vijay Mallya remains in the UK since 2016, despite India’s repeated requests.
- Nirav Modi, arrested in London, has fought his extradition citing mental health and unfair trial concerns.
- In both cases, prolonged legal proceedings and human rights claims have stalled outcomes.
“Only after he comes back to India will I be more hopeful than him being arrested there,” Khuraniya said bluntly.
What This Means for India’s Fight Against Financial Fugitives
Choksi’s arrest reignites public and political debate on India’s ability to bring back economic offenders hiding abroad. The case also raises questions on:
- Efficiency of extradition processes
- International cooperation with non-treaty countries
- Credibility of financial systems that allowed such frauds
For complainants like Khuraniya, justice remains incomplete until prosecution begins on Indian soil.
Mehul Choksi Arrest Offers Hope, But Long Road Ahead
While Mehul Choksi’s arrest in Belgium marks a significant breakthrough, his extradition to India remains uncertain due to diplomatic, legal, and bureaucratic hurdles.
As Vaibhav Khuraniya rightly noted, “Hope alone is not enough — extradition is the real test of justice.”
Until then, India watches closely, hoping that unlike in past cases, justice will not be delayed indefinitely this time.
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