Dominican court denies bail to Mehul Choksi in illegal entry case

• A magisterial court in Dominica has rejected the bail application of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi in connection with his illegal entry into the country. India-born Choksi came to court in a wheelchair and is currently at China Friendship Hospital. He pleaded before the magistrate that he was abducted & forcibly brought to Dominica. The 62-year-old diamantaire, who has a pending Interpol Red Corner Notice against him, arrived before the magistrate court in a black pair of shorts and a blue T-shirt. A Dominican high court judge had on Wednesday passed an order that the charge of illegal entry by Choksi be brought to the notice of the magistrate court on Thursday and posted the matter of habeas corpus for hearing on Friday. Considering the severity of the matter, the magistrate in her order said she is not convinced that Choksi will stay in the country to face legal proceedings and adjourned the matter till June 14.