The MHA has designated Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai as the facility where Choksi would be detained. The barrack is intended for non-violent, white-collar offenders and, at present, is not overcrowded
Mehul Choksi is wanted in connection with a major bank fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB). File Pic
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a formal letter of assurance to the Belgian Ministry of Justice and the relevant judicial authorities, outlining the conditions under which fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi would be held if extradited from Belgium to India, reported the ANI.
The assurances were issued in coordination with the Maharashtra government and prison authorities, aiming to address concerns raised in the extradition proceedings regarding Choksi’s detention conditions and human rights standards.
Mehul Choksi is wanted in connection with a major bank fraud case involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) and is facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery, as well as under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the ANI, the MHA has designated Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai as the facility where Choksi would be detained. The barrack is intended for non-violent, white-collar offenders and, at present, is not overcrowded. The letter emphasises compliance with international norms, including those laid out by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).
Each detainee will be provided at least three square metres of personal space, excluding furniture. Sleeping arrangements include clean cotton mattresses, pillows, blankets, and access to natural ventilation and sanitation facilities. Cells have attached toilets and bathrooms, and the water supply is continuous and safe for drinking.
Choksi will be entitled to-- three meals a day with accommodation for special diets, access to medical care via a 24/7 on-site hospital with emergency referrals to Sir J.J. Hospital nearby, legal counsel including daily meetings with lawyers and weekly visits from close family, recreational activities such as yoga, board games, casual badminton, and access to books and newspapers, as per the ANI.
The facility is under CCTV surveillance, with prison staff present round-the-clock. Choksi’s prior medical records will be taken into account, and any medically prescribed equipment or therapy will be made available at no cost.
The assurances were presented to the Chambers of Indictment in Antwerp, where the extradition case is currently being heard. These conditions are meant to satisfy Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
Choksi, who was arrested in Belgium in April, is a co-accused with his nephew Nirav Modi in the Rs 13,000 crore PNB fraud case. If the Belgian courts accept India’s assurances and all legal conditions for extradition are met, Choksi could soon be sent back to India to face trial.
(with ANI inputs)
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