The Foreign Ministry said Thursday that in connection with the extradition of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, the country has been making steadfast efforts to secure the repatriation of refugees.
Mehul Choksi, wanted in the Punjab National Bank fraud case for Rs 13,500 crore Bail denied by a local court in Dominica on Wednesday.
MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said Choksi is currently in the custody of Dominica, where some legal proceedings are pending.
“We will continue to make every effort to ensure that it is returned. India has been at the forefront of the draft. I have to refer you to the Ministry of the Interior for further details on this case,” he said while addressing an online press briefing .
He answered a series of questions about Choksi, who fled to Antigua but was recently found in Dominica.
READ: Mehul Choksi Will Be Heard In Dominica Today: All You Need To Know
Meanwhile, according to information from the Dominican court, the foreigners arrived legally on the islands via Douglas Charles Airport between February 21 and March 21, 2021, and were all granted a residence permit in Dominica for a period of no more than three weeks.
On April 17 at around 11:30 a.m., however, the Indians were intercepted on the EO Leblanc Highway near Dublanc in a passenger bus by members of the Border Patrol Unit and officers from the Colihaut police station.
Choksi pleaded not guilty
Mehul Choksi pleaded not guilty to a ruling by the Supreme Court on Wednesday for illegally entering the Caribbean island nation.
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His lawyers said he should be released on bail on health grounds, adding that The court can ask for a $ 10,000 bail, which is the maximum fine for illegal entry.
However, the fugitive diamond’s bail request was denied on the grounds that it poses an “escape risk” and has no ties to Dominica, allowing it to flee the country.
The next hearing on the case is scheduled for June 14th in the Roseau District Court.
Choksi will probably move the Dominican HC against the rejection of the deposit
Mehul Choksi’s legal team is probably move the high court move today Challenging the lower court’s decision to deny his bail, sources told India Today.
The lawsuit is expected to be brought when his case comes to a hearing at which the Supreme Court is expected to issue an order regarding his illegal entry into Dominica and his possible deportation to India.
However, both the Dominica and Antigua governments and Barbuda have announced that they want to send Mehul Choksi back to India.
(With input from Geeta Mohan)
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