A Belgian court has cleared the way for the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India. The court in Antwerp ruled on Friday that Choksi's arrest by Belgian authorities, based on India's request, was lawful and supported by sufficient evidence. This decision marks a significant step in India's efforts to bring Choksi to trial for his alleged involvement in a massive bank fraud case.

Choksi is wanted in India for his role in the 13,000 crore (approximately $1.5 billion USD) Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud. Along with his nephew, Nirav Modi, Choksi is accused of orchestrating the fraud through fraudulent Letters of Undertaking in collusion with certain bank officials at PNB's Brady House branch in Mumbai. He faces criminal proceedings initiated by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The charges against him include conspiracy, cheating, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and corruption.

Choksi fled India in January 2018 and has since been attempting to evade legal proceedings. He was previously residing in Antigua and Barbuda, where he obtained citizenship. However, after an attempt to flee from Antigua to Cuba, he was arrested in April of this year in Antwerp, Belgium.

Following his arrest, Choksi was denied bail and has remained in prison in Antwerp. Indian law enforcement argued successfully before Belgian courts that Choksi is a habitual absconder and posed a flight risk if granted bail. The CBI provided Belgian prosecutors with details of Choksi's involvement in economic offenses in India, his past attempts to evade authorities, and the existing warrants against him.

While the Belgian court's decision is a victory for India, Choksi has the option to appeal the ruling in a higher court within the next 15 days. Despite this possibility, Indian officials have expressed satisfaction with the development, viewing it as a crucial step toward his return to India.

The Indian government has provided assurances to Belgian authorities regarding the conditions of Choksi's detention upon extradition. He would be lodged at the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai, in a barrack that meets European standards for prisoner management. He would be provided with adequate facilities, including clean drinking water, sufficient food, access to newspapers and television, and medical treatment.

The CBI's Global Operations Centre is closely monitoring the developments in the case, coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies and Interpol. The agency has also engaged a local law firm to strengthen its case. If extradited and declared a fugitive economic offender, his properties can be seized even before the trial concludes.