Antwerp: In a major development for Indian authorities, an Antwerp court in Belgium has approved the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India. The court ruled that Choksi’s arrest by Belgian authorities, made at India’s request, was valid. This brings India a step closer to securing his return.

Officials familiar with the case confirmed that while Choksi still has the right to appeal in a higher court, it means that “the first and a very important stage is cleared” in the extradition process.

Mehul Choksi extradition

The 65-year-old businessman was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11 following a formal extradition request by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He has been in custody for over four months, with repeated bail pleas rejected by local courts.

Ind

See Full Page