‘Case being handled with significant attention’: Belgium govt on Mehul Choksi | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Belgian authorities is carefully monitoring the case of fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, whereas authorities in Antigua & Barbuda have confirmed that he left the Caribbean nation for medical therapy however stays an Antiguan citizen.
David Jordens, Spokesperson and Head of Service for social media and press at Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Overseas Affairs, acknowledged that the case is being handled with due consideration. “I can affirm that the Federal Public Service (FPS) Overseas Affairs is conscious of this case and attaches nice significance and a focus to it. Nonetheless, we don’t remark on particular person circumstances. Moreover, this case falls below the competence of the Federal Public Service Justice,” he stated.
His remarks point out that whereas Belgian authorities are monitoring developments, jurisdiction over the matter primarily lies with the justice division. Jordens additionally reaffirmed that FPS Overseas Affairs stays engaged with the case however didn’t disclose additional particulars relating to Choksi’s location.
In the meantime, Antigua & Barbuda’s Overseas Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, confirmed Choksi’s standing, stating, “Mehul Choksi just isn’t on the island, I’m advised he left Antigua for medical consideration overseas. He stays a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda. Your Authorities and my Authorities are working collectively on this matter. We have now some traditions in democracy. We each respect the rule of legislation. Matter of Mehul Choksi has been subjected to authorized evaluation. Till such time it’s reviewed and decided, there may be nothing I can say, or any of us can say or do.”
Choksi, needed in India for his alleged function within the Rs 14,000-crore Punjab Nationwide Financial institution (PNB) rip-off alongside with his nephew Nirav Modi, has been below authorized scrutiny in a number of jurisdictions. Greene emphasised that India and Antigua & Barbuda proceed to cooperate whereas making certain adherence to authorized procedures.
A media report from Related Times, which covers the Caribbean area, not too long ago claimed that Choksi has been dwelling in Antwerp, Belgium, with his spouse, Preeti Choksi, after acquiring a residency card. The report additional alleged that Choksi submitted “false declarations” and “cast paperwork” to Belgian authorities whereas making use of for residency, failing to reveal his Indian and Antiguan citizenships.
The report additionally instructed that Indian authorities have requested Belgium to provoke Choksi’s extradition. Nonetheless, there was no official affirmation from Indian officers. Choksi is allegedly planning to relocate to Switzerland for medical therapy at a most cancers hospital, in line with sources cited within the report.