• Source:JND
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The bail plea of Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam's main accused and diamond businessman fugitive Mehul Choksi has once again been rejected by a Belgian court. India's investigating agency CBI, told the court that Choksi has fled from many countries before, and if he is granted bail, he can flee to another country.

Choksi was arrested by the Belgian Police in April at the extradition request of the Indian authorities. Nearly a week later, his bail plea was rejected by the Belgian court.

It was his second plea filed on August 22, and was challenged by the Central Bureau of India. Choksi had asked to be placed under house arrest instead.

The bail plea was rejected on the CBI's argument that he had fled many countries in the past and, therefore, if granted bail, could flee again.

ALSO READ: Mehul Choksi Case: Belgium Court Adjourns Plea Challenging 'Arbitrary Arrest'

Extradition hearing in September

Now the Belgian court will hear on Choksi's extradition in September. During the hearing, CBI will also assist the Belgian prosecution team.

Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are both the main accused in the PNB scam. This scam is said to be worth about Rs 13,000 crores. Both fled the country after the scam came to light. Nirav Modi was later arrested in London and has been lodged in a London jail since 2019. Modi is also opposing extradition to India.

India has given several pieces of evidence and documents against Choksi to the Belgian government. This also includes arrest warrants of 2018 and 2021 from the special court of Mumbai.

ALSO READ: Belgium Court Rejects Fugitive Mehul Choksi's Bail Plea

According to investigating agencies, officials of PNB's Mumbai Brady House branch issued 165 Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and 58 Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) in March-April 2017.