Mehul Choksi’s Allegations of Abduction and Intrigues Surrounding His Case
Mehul Choksi, a fugitive linked to a major bank fraud in India, claims he was abducted to the Dominican Republic. His alleged abduction involves a Hungarian woman, Barbara Jabarika, who Choksi’s wife accuses of being part of a honeytrap. After being arrested in Belgium while attempting to flee, he has raised health concerns to avoid extradition to India.
Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman, was arrested for illegal entry in the Dominican Republic in May 2021, nearly four years after he fled India amidst allegations of a significant bank fraud. He had reportedly escaped to Antigua following the Punjab National Bank scandal, claiming he was forcibly abducted by Indian agents from Antigua and taken to the Dominican Republic. Choksi faces accusations regarding a fraudulent amount of ₹12,636 crores linked to the state-run bank.
In the aftermath of his alleged abduction, a Hungarian woman, Barbara Jabarika, was named in the allegations. Choksi’s wife, Priti, asserted Barbara was part of a honeytrap scheme. However, Barbara dismissed these claims and stated she had her own successful business, rejecting any need for assistance from Choksi. She explained that Choksi, under the name Raj, approached her for friendship, contradicting Priti’s assertions.
Choksi contended that Barbara did not assist him during his alleged abduction and showed behaviors suggesting her involvement in the plot against him. Priti refuted Barbara’s story, questioning how someone with substantial social media presence could be unaware of the allegations surrounding Choksi. In response to public scrutiny, she accused Barbara of attempting to distort the narrative surrounding her husband.
Following his detention in the Dominican Republic, Choksi was released after 51 days due to intervention from the British Queen’s Privy Council, which hindered India’s extradition efforts. Initially charged for illegal entry, those charges were eventually dropped. In March 2023, a significant development occurred as Interpol rescinded a Red Notice against Choksi. The CBI responded, alleging that Choksi presented fabricated stories to international bodies to evade extradition.
Choksi’s presence in Belgium was uncovered by Indian authorities, leading to his arrest when he attempted to flee to Switzerland. He faced accusations of using forged documents to obtain Belgian residency, deliberately withholding his Indian and Antiguan citizenship status. His lawyer revealed that Choksi sought asylum in Belgium, citing health issues due to blood cancer treatment as grounds for his appeal against extradition.
Mehul Choksi’s complex legal battles continue, centered around allegations of fraud and an alleged abduction scenario involving a Hungarian woman. His claims against Indian authorities and attempts to evade extradition have drawn significant international attention. With his recent arrest in Belgium, the ongoing issues regarding his residency and health treatment will likely play a crucial role in the extradition proceedings as well as the perceptions surrounding his character and alleged misconduct.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
