Hyderabad: The Telangana unit of the BJP has welcomed the arrest of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi in Belgium. They see it as a major achievement by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in its efforts to bring back people who have cheated Indian banks and escaped abroad.
On Monday, BJP Telangana’s Chief Spokesperson NV Subash said that Choksi, who is one of the main accused in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam, was caught in Belgium. He had gone there for medical treatment. Indian investigation agencies had requested his arrest under an agreement between India and Belgium that allows for the extradition of criminals.
Subash said this arrest shows that the Modi government is keeping its promise to the people. “We said we would bring back those who looted the country, and we are doing it,” he stated.
He also pointed out that Choksi is the second big fugitive to be caught due to the government’s diplomatic efforts. Earlier, 26/11 terror accused Tahawwur Rana was arrested in the US. According to Subash, these arrests became possible after India and Belgium activated their extradition treaty. He added that the Modi government has a strong stance against corruption, unlike past Congress-led governments that allowed such criminals to escape.
Subash also criticized the opposition parties for not appreciating this success. He accused them of being quiet because they feel guilty, and said they often question the government instead of supporting these efforts. He stressed that the Modi government is determined to recover all stolen public money, no matter how rich or powerful the offender may be.
The arrest of Choksi and others like him, Subash said, helps restore people’s trust in the justice system. It also sends a clear warning to economic criminals that running away to another country will no longer help them avoid punishment.
