Choksi's extradition looms as decisive hearing on Sept 19

Informed sources told this newspaper that if Choksi loses the appeal on 19 September, it would clear the biggest legal hurdle to his extradition. The Belgian court's endorsement of the Indian warrants would mean he remains in custody in Antwerp while the justice ministry begins the process of transferring him to India.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank scam, will appear before the Antwerp Court of Appeal on 19 September. The judges will hear his appeal challenging the enforceability of arrest warrants issued by a special CBI court in Mumbai.

Belgian officials confirmed to The Sunday Guardian on Monday night that a decision will follow later, with no interim relief available to Choksi until then.

Informed sources told this newspaper that if Choksi loses the appeal on 19 September, it would clear the biggest legal hurdle to his extradition.