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Mehul Choksi will be lodged at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail with personal space, bedding, drinking water, washroom access, and daily exercise, as per MHA’s assurances to Belgium.
Fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi. (File photo/AFP)
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has furnished a formal letter of assurance to the Ministry of Justice, Kingdom of Belgium, and the competent Belgian judicial authorities, detailing the conditions under which Mehul Choksi, wanted in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, would be detained if he is extradited from Belgium to India.
As per the letter, the assurances issued by the MHA were endorsed in consultation with the government of Maharashtra and the prison authorities there.
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The assurances set out specific material, medical and procedural safeguards, intended to address human rights concerns raised in extradition proceedings.
HOW WILL MEHUL CHOKSI BE KEPT AT MUMBAI JAIL
According to the letter by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai has been designated as the facility for Choksi’s detention.
The letter outlines several binding guarantees to ensure humane and dignified treatment, including a minimum of three square metres of personal space, access to a washroom, drinking water, proper bedding and more.
“Mehul Choksi will be kept in a cell in which he will get a minimum of 3 square metres of personal space (not including furniture) throughout the period of his prospective detention in case he is found guilty,” the letter mentioned.
“The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing a clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” it mentioned.
“Adequate light and ventilation, and storage for permissible personal belongings are available,” the letter stated.
“Mehul Choksi will have sufficient access to a clean drinking water supply each day, and adequate medical facilities are available round the clock.”
“Mehul Choksi will have access to adequate toilet and washing facilities each day,” the letter stated.
“Mehul Choksi will be permitted out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a reasonable amount of time each day,” it stated.
“He will receive adequate food throughout his detention period,” the MHA’s assurance letter read.
“If Mehul Choksi is extradited to India, the government of India on the basis of the information received from the government of Maharashtra and Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra State, solemnly assures that all such facilities are available in Arthur Road Prison shall be provided to him without any discrimination as per lodging policy in vogue,” it mentioned.
“This assurance is a sovereign assurance by the government of India in consultation with the State Government concerned,” it added.
MHA’s ASSURANCE OUTLINES ARTHUR JAIL CONDITIONS
The letter also mentioned that each detainee will be provided a minimum of three square metres of personal space, excluding furniture, in accordance with norms set by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).
Barrack No. 12 has a maximum operating capacity of six persons, and at the time of reporting, the two identified cells were unoccupied, it stated.
The letter mentioned, “Detainees will receive adequate food three times daily, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval. A jail canteen and provisions such as fruits and basic snacks are also available.”
“Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation, and access to a library and reading materials,” it mentioned.
“Medical care is provided through a 24×7 facility staffed by six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support. A 20-bed prison hospital with ICU capability is available, and emergency referrals can be made to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, located approximately three kilometres away.”
“Detainees may also seek private medical care at their own expense,” it mentioned.
MEHUL CHOKSI ACCUSED IN THE PNB FRAUD CASE
Choksi is a key accused in the multi-crore rupee Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. He was arrested in Belgium in April following a formal request from Indian authorities.
Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are the primary accused in the PNB fraud case, which involves fraudulent transactions.
In addition to this case, Choksi is reportedly wanted in connection with several other unrelated bank fraud investigations.
Choksi faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and falsification of accounts, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
These offences are also recognised as crimes under Belgian law, thereby enabling the application of the dual criminality clause of the extradition treaty in India’s request for his extradition.
Additionally, the CBI has cited the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to strengthen its extradition plea.
ALSO READ | When Mehul Choksi Alleged ‘Abduction Bid, Honeytrap’ By Hungarian Woman
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 08, 2025, 12:28 IST
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