Fugitive diamond trader&nbsp;Mehul Choksi is set to be lodged in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai&rsquo;s Arthur Road Jail once extradited from Belgium, marking a crucial breakthrough in India&rsquo;s pursuit of the fugitive businessman accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
India has submitted photographs and details of Barrack No. 12 to Belgian authorities to confirm compliance with international standards. The cell has two rooms with attached sanitation facilities, ensuring adequate living conditions. Choksi will remain confined within the barrack, except for medical visits or court hearings.
The development follows a major ruling by the Court of Appeals in Antwerp, which recently approved Choksi&rsquo;s extradition and validated his arrest by Belgian police in April. The 66-year-old businessman, who fled India in 2019, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and corruption&mdash;offences recognised under both Indian and Belgian law.
The court rejected the defence&rsquo;s argument that Indian prisons are unfit for detention, citing photographic evidence and India&rsquo;s assurances of humane treatment. It also dismissed claims that the extradition was politically motivated or based on nationality or religion.
India assured the Belgian authorities that Choksi would be held safely, without overcrowding or solitary confinement, and that his human rights and medical needs would be fully respected. The jail&rsquo;s barrack, officials confirmed, is already being prepared to host high-profile economic offenders under secure conditions.
This marks India&rsquo;s first legal victory in its long-running attempt to bring Choksi back to face justice for the multi-billion-rupee banking fraud, allegedly carried out in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi. Choksi has remained in Antwerp prison since his arrest, with repeated bail pleas rejected as authorities deemed him a flight risk.
With the Belgian court&rsquo;s approval, the path for extradition to India is now open, though Choksi may still appeal before Belgium&rsquo;s Supreme Court.

After extradition from Belgium, Mehul Choksi to stay in Arthur Road Jail’s Barrack No. 12

Choksi to Be Lodged in Arthur Road Barrack

After extradition from Belgium, Mehul Choksi to stay in Arthur Road Jail’s Barrack No. 12

October 23, 2025 | 06:27 IST