PNB scam whistleblower Hariprasad SV has raised concerns over the extradition of Mehul Choksi, a prominent figure in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. Choksi, who fled India in 2018 along with his nephew Nirav Modi, was recently arrested in Belgium, sparking renewed efforts for his return to India to face charges.
However, Hariprasad SV, the whistleblower who exposed the fraudulent activities, believes that Choksi will put up a strong legal defense to avoid extradition. He pointed out that Choksi has access to a network of top European lawyers who will likely challenge the process. “Choksi has a history of evading legal proceedings and will likely use every possible legal loophole to delay his extradition,” Hariprasad SV remarked.
Choksi’s defense strategy could center around his health. He has previously claimed that he suffers from severe health issues, which he argues would make traveling to India dangerous. It is expected that his legal team will present medical evidence to further complicate the extradition process. Additionally, experts believe that Choksi may invoke human rights concerns, a common argument in extradition cases, to delay the process further.
While the challenges to his extradition remain significant, the Indian government is determined to bring Choksi back to face trial. The extradition, if successful, would mark a crucial step in India’s fight against financial fraud, sending a strong message about holding those who defraud the banking system accountable.
The PNB scam remains one of India’s largest financial frauds, with Choksi and his accomplices causing immense financial damage to the country’s banking system. His return to India could offer crucial insights into the scale of the scam and lead to further legal actions.
Stay tuned as this complex legal saga unfolds.