Image Credit: Times of India
Introduction
Mehul Choksi, the fugitive diamond tycoon implicated in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, continues to make headlines. Beyond the massive financial scandal, Choksi now faces scrutiny over unpaid maintenance dues for his Mumbai properties, adding another layer to his complex legal saga.
Maintenance Dues on Mumbai Flats
Choksi owns three flats in the upscale Gokul Apartments located in Mumbai's Malabar Hill area. Reports indicate that he has not paid maintenance charges for over seven years, accumulating dues of approximately ₹63 lakh. Including renovation costs from 2020, the total outstanding amount could reach around ₹95 lakh. [Source]
Recent Legal Developments
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously attached these properties as part of its investigation into the PNB fraud case. A Mumbai court has approved the sale of assets worth ₹2,565.90 crore seized from Choksi, aiming to recover funds defrauded from banks. [Source]
Additionally, a special PMLA court allowed banks' plea for valuation, auction, and sale of certain properties recovered, including flats in Mumbai, a mall in Kolkata, and land parcels across various states. [Source]
Extradition Efforts and Arrest
After years on the run, Choksi was arrested in Antwerp, Belgium, on April 12, 2025. The arrest follows an extradition request by Indian authorities. Choksi had been living in Belgium after securing an 'F Residency Card'. [Source]
His lawyer announced plans to appeal the arrest, citing Choksi's poor health and claims of the case being politically motivated. Meanwhile, Indian authorities continue to pursue his extradition to face charges related to the PNB fraud. [Source]
Conclusion
Mehul Choksi's case underscores the complexities involved in transnational financial fraud and the challenges of bringing fugitives to justice. As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on recovering defrauded funds and ensuring accountability.