Mehul Choksi must be deported to India, Dominican govt tells court

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The Dominican government argued in court on Wednesday that fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi should be deported to India as he is wanted in the Rs 14,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, according to local media reports.  </p>
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The Dominican Public Prosecution Service has told the High Court that the petition filed by the Choksi is not maintainable and should not be heard. India will push for his early deportation, on the ground that he acquired an Antiguan citizenship through fraudulent means and still an Indian citizen, a government official said.</p>
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Dominican Judge Bernie Stephenson said that Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi must answer illegal entry charge into Dominica in Magistrates court.</p>
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The High Court has ruled that Choksi be brought before a local magistrate, reported Antigua News Room.</p>
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Mehul Choksi attended the trial via video-conference. He is currently at a hospital, being treated for his injuries his lawyers say he sustained during the alleged kidnapping from Antigua.</p>
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His lawyers contend that he was abducted and brought to Dominica. If the court accepts the argument, he will be sent back to Antigua, where he had obtained citizenship and moved before he could be brought to book in India.</p>
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After he was caught in Dominica, Antigua said he should be deported straight to India.</p>
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In both Antigua and Dominica the opposition parties have accused the ruling parties of collaborating with Mehul Choksi.</p>
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The habeas corpus case will be heard again on Thursday depending on the order of the magistrate court, where criminal proceedings are on against Mehul Choksi for allegedly entering Dominica illegally.</p>
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An eight-member team from the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate is in Dominica for Choksi's extradition. The government has also sent its High Commissioner from Trinidad & Tobago to assist the officials.</p>
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An official of the Union Home Ministry said India has taken the stand that Choksi acquired Antigua citizenship on the basis of false declarations and he is still an Indian citizen.</p>
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Choksi was charged with illegal entry by Justice Bernie Stephenson in Dominica.</p>