Mehul Choksi Sues India in London Kidnap Case

Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond tycoon wanted in India for his alleged role in a $1.8 billion Punjab National Bank fraud, has sued the Indian government in London, claiming he was kidnapped from Antigua in 2021 by individuals allegedly acting for India to force his extradition. Choksi alleges he was lured, abducted, and tortured to coerce a false confession implicating himself and India's political opposition. Five UK-based individuals are also named as defendants in the case, all of whom deny any wrongdoing. The Indian government denies involvement, arguing the case should not be heard in the UK and citing sovereign immunity and jurisdictional grounds. Choksi's lawyers argue that only India had the motive and resources for such an operation, while Indian officials claim the lawsuit is a tactic to delay extradition. London's High Court is currently considering whether Choksi’s case against India can proceed.