Mehul Choksi, a co-accused in the ₹14,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, has informed a Mumbai court that he is medically unfit to return to India to stand trial. According to a report by The Economic Times, Choksi, who is currently residing in Belgium, has claimed that he is suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Choksi’s Plea in Mumbai Court
In a special plea filed before the Mumbai court, Choksi has submitted medical reports as evidence of his illness. His petition also includes an expert opinion from a doctor based in Antwerp, Belgium, who has reportedly stated that Choksi is “100% incapable” of traveling due to his health condition.
Despite these claims, an official quoted by The Economic Times asserted that Choksi could receive world-class medical treatment in India and should return to face the legal proceedings.
Previous Claims and Allegations
This is not the first time Choksi has cited health concerns to avoid extradition.
- Earlier, he had claimed to be suffering from mental health issues following an alleged kidnapping attempt in Antigua in 2021.
- Choksi had accused Indian government officials of being involved in the abduction attempt, a claim that has been widely contested.
PNB Fraud Case and Ongoing Investigations
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case, one of the largest banking scams in Indian history.
- Indian investigative agencies have been actively pursuing Choksi’s extradition to bring him to trial.
- He is currently a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda but has been living in Belgium reportedly for his cancer treatment.
- His nephew, Nirav Modi, has been in a British jail for over six years, fighting extradition to India. Despite repeated requests by the Indian government, Modi’s extradition has not yet been secured.
India’s Pursuit of Choksi’s Extradition
The Indian government has been making diplomatic and legal efforts to bring Choksi back to India to face trial. However, his continued residency in foreign nations, coupled with his health-related defenses, has delayed the process.
While Indian authorities dispute his claims of being unfit to travel, the matter now rests with the Mumbai court, which will decide whether his medical condition justifies his absence from the trial.
Conclusion
Mehul Choksi’s latest plea citing blood cancer as a reason for avoiding trial has added another layer of complexity to the already prolonged PNB fraud case. As Indian agencies continue their efforts to bring both Choksi and Nirav Modi to justice, legal battles over extradition, health claims, and international law are expected to continue in the coming months.
