New Delhi, April 8 -- In a significant boost for Indian agencies in the extradition case against Mehul Choksi, an Antwerp court of appeal has ruled that there is a valid legal basis to extradite the fugitive diamantaire to India, while rejecting his allegations that the Indian government abducted him in Antigua and Barbuda in 2021. Choksi is also understood to have applied for asylum in Belgium, anticipating an adverse outcome, people familiar with the matter said. The chamber of accusation, part of the Antwerp court of appeal, rendered its advice to the Belgian ministry of justice on April 3, concurring with charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy and forgery against Choksi. However, it excluded the charge of destruction of evidence, noting that the offence is not punishable under Belgian law. Confirming the development, Antwerp's attorney general, Ken Witpas, told HT: "Last Friday, on April 3, the Chamber of Accusation, part of the Antwerp Court of Appeal, rendered an advice towards the Belgian government concerning the request made by the Indian authorities for the extradition of Mehul Choksi, based on the allegation of committed the following crimes between December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2019 in India". In its advice, Witpas said the chamber found "there is an an applicable legal base for extradition between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of India", adding that offences including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and corruption-related charges are also punishable under Belgian law, satisfying the requirement of reciprocity. The court also ruled that the indictment is "not restricted by statutory limits, nor by Belgian nor by Indian law", and rejected Choksi's claim that the case amounted to a political witch-hunt. The alleged offences, it said, "cannot be considered as a political, military nor as an excluded fiscal offence". Addressing Choksi's claims of abduction and risk of ill-treatment, the court observed that "the defense of Choksi made it plausible that he was taken against his will on May 23, 2021 from Antigua to Dominica", but found "no immediate and direct proof" of the Indian government's involvement. It also did not accept his arguments regarding the risk of denial of justice, unfair trial, torture or inhuman treatment, including prison conditions. "Based on these considerations the 'chamber of accusation' rendered therefore a positive advice for extradition with a reservation concerning the extradition of Mehul Choksi." Witpas said. The court's decision is confidential and non-binding on the Belgian government, with the final decision resting with justice minister Annelies Verlinden. The order, initially expected on March 20, was delayed to April 3. Responding to HT's queries, Belgium's federal justice ministry said the case is currently under analysis and that the minister's final decision will be communicated to the parties involved "within a reasonable timeframe". It declined further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the proceedings. Indian agencies have also received informal indications that Choksi has applied for asylum, though such applications are confidential and may not be officially confirmed until a decision is taken. HT reached out to Choksi's lawyers but received no response....