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NEW DELHI: Punjab National Bank scam whistleblower Hariprasad SV on Monday raised doubts on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi’s chances of being extradited to India, citing Choksi’s access to top legal support in Europe. His reflection on concerns of bring him back to India came after 65-year-old absconding diamond merchant was arrested in Belgium on Saturday.
Speaking to ANI, Hariprasad recalled how Choksi had earlier managed to escape legal proceedings when he was detained in Dominica. “Extradition is not an easy task. Choksi’s wallet is full, and he will employ the best lawyers in Europe to avoid the process like what Vijay Mallya has been doing. I don’t think it is going to be easy for India to get him back,” he said.
“When he was caught in Antigua (Dominica) and other islands, he could manage to get out of it because he has a fleet of lawyers. But I wish and hope that this time, the Indian government will succeed,” Hariprasad added.
He also pointed out that over 100 franchises were allegedly defrauded by Choksi, many of which had filed cases in various Indian cities. “Even I got his arrest warrant from Bangalore police, but nothing really happened as he was smart enough to get away from the clutches of law,” the PNB scam whistleblower said.
Highlighting the challenges ahead, he said, “The legal system in India is undoubtedly very great, but the extradition process depends on the country we are dealing with. This case is not going to be easy, as he has so much money.”
Hariprasad had first raised red flags about the scam in a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office on July 26, 2016, flagging suspicious entries in balance sheets and warning of a potential large-scale fraud.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that Choksi was arrested in Belgium on Saturday after local authorities verified his presence. Preparations are reportedly underway for his extradition to India.
However, Choksi is preparing for a legal battle. His defence team is expected to seek bail and challenge the extradition process. The legal team has cited his health condition and other factors as grounds for opposing the request.
Choksi fled India on January 2, 2018. He is wanted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged role in nearly Rs 14,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, along with his nephew, Nirav Modi.
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