Mehul Choksi has communicated to the court that he is unable to return to India due to severe health conditions, supported by medical evaluations. He contends that his psychological state, worsened by his reported abduction, impacts his capability to cooperate with Indian authorities. The CBI is actively working to extradite Choksi from Belgium, where he seeks medical treatment.
Mehul Choksi has informed the court that he cannot travel to India due to severe health issues, substantiated by medical reports from a Belgian doctor affirming his “100% incapacity to travel” until August 30, 2025. Additionally, psychiatric evaluations suggest he experiences “suicidal thoughts” and is suffering from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, partly attributed to his reported abduction from Antigua in 2023, purportedly orchestrated by Indian authorities.
In his application, Choksi emphasizes his attempts to cooperate with Indian investigative agencies via video conferencing but asserts that this has not borne fruit. A senior Indian official expressed skepticism regarding Choksi’s medical claims, suggesting that he should utilize India’s healthcare facilities, stating, “He can return to his motherland and get treated here.”
This official further criticized Choksi’s assertion of cooperation through video calls, pointing out the seriousness of his situation as he is a primary suspect in a $2 billion bank fraud. Choksi contends that he should not be labeled a “fugitive economic offender,” claiming his health prevents his return to India.
Moreover, Choksi alleges that he sought medical treatment in Brussels, Belgium, due to inadequate facilities in Antigua, despite being unfit to travel. Indian authorities remain eager to secure his return following their awareness of his location in Belgium, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) pursues his immediate detention for further investigation, following a formal extradition request initiated by Belgian officials.
In conclusion, Mehul Choksi’s claims of medical incapacity have raised questions, with Indian officials urging him to return for treatment in India. His alleged health issues, documented by various medical professionals, are intertwined with serious legal accusations of involvement in a large-scale bank fraud. The ongoing pursuit by Indian authorities signals persistent efforts to hold him accountable.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
