‘Mehul Choksi a Crook, Will Be Extradited to India’: Antigua PM

File image of Mehul Choksi.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Wednesday, 25 September, described the Punjab National Bank scam accused Mehul Choksi as a “crook” and assured that he would be extradited to India after he exhausts his appeal.

Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in Rs 13,500 crore PNB fraud case. He was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 2018.

“Got subsequent information that Mehul Choksi is a crook, he does not add value to our country. He will be deported ultimately after he exhausts appeals. Indian officials are free to investigate based on his willingness to participate.”

Gaston Browne, Aantigua & Barbuda PM

"I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time,” Browne told ANI.

Choksi left India in January 2018, and news of his Antiguan citizenship came in six months later.

The 59-year-old businessman had refused to return to India, citing that he fears "mob lynching".

(With inputs from ANI, IANS)