Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, wanted in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, has reportedly been arrested in Belgium. But the man who first blew the whistle on the scam, Hariprasad SV, is skeptical about his return to India anytime soon.
Speaking to ANI, Hariprasad explained why extraditing Choksi may become a drawn-out legal battle. “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.
Hariprasad recalled Choksi’s past success in dodging legal actions—particularly when he was caught in the Caribbean. “When he was caught in Antigua and Dominica, he got out of it because he has a fleet of lawyers. But I hope the Indian government succeeds this time.”
Choksi, who fled India in January 2018, faces charges from both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED). His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also accused in the same case.
A Longstanding Warning
Back in July 2016, Hariprasad had already warned the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) about suspicious signs in Gitanjali Gems’ balance sheets. He flagged what he believed was a potential scam. Years later, his fears proved correct, but Choksi managed to escape—both from India and, repeatedly, from foreign jurisdictions.
“He duped at least 100 franchises across India,” Hariprasad said, adding that he even received an arrest warrant for Choksi from the Bengaluru police. “But nothing happened—he was smart enough to get away.”
Choksi’s Legal Gameplan
Choksi was arrested in Belgium on Saturday. However, his defense team is already preparing a counter-attack: a bail plea and arguments against extradition, reportedly citing his health condition.
Despite Indian agencies gearing up for a legal battle, Hariprasad remains cautious. “The legal system in India is great, but extradition depends on the country we’re dealing with. And this case is not going to be easy, especially when the accused has so much money.”
