Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 14: The arrest of fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi in Belgium has triggered a wave of political reactions across India, with leaders hailing it as a diplomatic win for the Modi government’s foreign policy. Choksi, wanted in connection with the massive ?13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud along with his nephew Nirav Modi, was detained following India’s extradition request, according to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was among the first to applaud the development, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy for the breakthrough. “This is a result of strategic diplomacy under PM Modi’s leadership,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary remarked, “This government has a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. Those who have looted the country will not be spared. Choksi’s arrest is just one chapter in that story.”
Choksi, who holds citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, had been staying in Antwerp, Belgium, with his wife, Preeti Choksi, a Belgian national. Reports suggest he had left Antigua allegedly for cancer treatment and was preparing to relocate to Switzerland.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao described the arrest as part of a larger legal process. “PM Modi’s stance on corruption has always been uncompromising. The law will take its course, and justice will follow,” he told.
In Madhya Pradesh, Minister Vishvas Sarang labeled the arrest as a diplomatic success and a reflection of the Centre’s unwavering position. “Be it corruption or terrorism, the Modi government takes a hard line. Tahawwur Rana is here — Choksi will be, too,” he said.
Maharashtra leaders also weighed in. Minister Ashish Shelar highlighted the public demand for accountability: “The people of India want justice. They expect that anyone who robs the nation will be held responsible.”
Echoing that view, BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar emphasized Choksi’s role in the bank scam: “He used the Geetanjali brand to swindle crores from Indian banks and fled. His arrest is an important milestone — now the legal process must move swiftly.”
BJP MP Brij Lal struck a confident note, saying, “We brought Tahawwur Rana, and we’ll bring Choksi too.”
However, Choksi’s legal team has already pushed back. His lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, noted that extradition isn’t automatic and pointed to the failed extradition of Sanjay Bhandari as a precedent. “We will challenge this in court. Choksi is undergoing cancer treatment and must be allowed to continue in Switzerland,” he said.
Aggarwal also raised concerns about his client’s safety and the possibility of a biased trial in India. “There are serious questions about media influence, security risks, and fair judicial process,” he added.
The legal tug-of-war is expected to play out over the coming weeks as India presses its case and Choksi’s team prepares to fight his return in court.