Mehul Choksi Informs Court of Medical Condition Preventing Travel to India
Mehul Choksi has notified the court of his inability to travel to India due to severe medical conditions. He submitted reports from Belgian medical professionals claiming he is unfit for travel and suffers from significant mental health issues. Indian authorities are skeptical of his claims, insisting on his presence for legal proceedings related to a $2 billion bank fraud case. Choksi argues against being labeled a fugitive, asserting he is seeking necessary medical treatment.
Mehul Choksi has informed the court that he is unable to return to India due to a serious medical condition. Substantiating his claims, he submitted medical reports including an evaluation from a Belgian doctor stating he is “100% incapable of travelling” until August 30, 2025. Further, a psychiatrist’s report details that Choksi is experiencing suicidal thoughts and severe mental health issues stemming from his alleged abduction in 2023.
In his application, Choksi emphasized his mental health decline following the claimed abduction, asserting that the Indian government’s actions contributed to his current state. Additional psychiatric evaluations indicate he is suffering from both severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Choksi argued that he has made repeated attempts to cooperate with Indian authorities through video conferencing but faced obstacles in doing so.
Indian officials have expressed skepticism regarding Choksi’s claims, suggesting that his medical reports need verification. A government representative asserted, “He can return to his motherland and get treated here,” emphasizing that he is a key suspect in a significant financial fraud case. They clarified that video conferencing is inappropriate for such serious allegations and that Choksi must confront the evidence in person.
Choksi further contended that he should not be labeled a “fugitive economic offender” as he is not intentionally evading legal consequences but instead grappling with his medical circumstances. In light of limited healthcare options in Antigua, he traveled to Brussels for what he deemed necessary medical treatment despite the risks involved in his unfit condition.
Indian investigative agencies are keen on repatriating Choksi from Belgium, where he has been receiving treatment. The Central Bureau of Investigation has requested his immediate detention upon learning of his whereabouts. Following a formal extradition request from Belgian authorities, Indian agencies have completed the necessary processes for Choksi’s potential repatriation.
In summary, Mehul Choksi claims that serious medical issues prevent his return to India, supported by various psychiatric evaluations. Indian authorities dispute his medical claims and emphasize the necessity of his presence for legal proceedings due to his involvement in a substantial financial fraud case. As efforts continue to extradite him from Belgium, Choksi maintains that he is not a fugitive but rather a victim of his circumstances.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
