Arthur Road Jail, Barrack No. 12: Choksi’s Extradition Preparations in Full Swing

National News: India has now come into international headlines in the Punjab National Bank (PNB), an extradition of the Rs 12,000 crore scam and fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi. Choksi, 66, has recently been arrested from Antwerp, Belgium, and India is making every effort to bring him back. The Government of India has handed over a detailed assurance letter to Belgium regarding Choksi's extradition, stating that if he is brought to India, he will be placed under the international standards of human rights.

Where will Mehul Choksi be kept?

The Government of India has clearly stated that Mehul Choksi will be placed in Barrack No. 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. This barrack is considered safe for high-profile prisoners and has many basic and special facilities.

Living arrangements

• Clean mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket
• Wooden or iron bed if required
• Natural lighting in jail barracks and complete arrangement of adequate ventilation
• Barracks cleaned daily

Food facilities

• Nutritious meals three times a day
• Special diet also available on medical advice
• Fruits and light snacks can be purchased from the jail canteen

Health services

• 24x7 medical assistance available
• Special medical care for serious illnesses

Choksi's lawyers claim that he has a serious illness like cancer, for which India has assured proper care

Recreation and mental health

• More than an hour of walk and exercise every day
• Facilities for yoga, meditation and board games
• Arrangement for reading books in the library
• Open courtyard, where prisoners can walk in fresh air and play badminton

Weather and Environment

India has informed Belgium that the weather in Mumbai remains normal throughout the year, so neither heaters nor air conditioning is needed. After these assurances given by India, the matter now depends on the decision of the Belgian court. If the court is convinced that Mehul Choksi's human rights will not be violated in India, then the path to his extradition may become easier.

Mehul Choksi, who had earlier taken Antigua citizenship, is accused of defrauding PNB of thousands of crores along with his nephew Nirav Modi. The Indian government has been trying to bring him back since 2018.