New Delhi [India]: In a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to bring fugitives to justice, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully coordinated the return of wanted fugitive Manakandathil Thekkethi alias Sheela Allyani from Saudi Arabia through Interpol channels. The fugitive, accused in a case of criminal conspiracy and cheating, was brought back to India on October 9, 2025.

According to an official statement from the CBI, the agency worked in close collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to ensure the successful return of the accused. “In collaboration with MEA and MHA, the CBI successfully coordinated the return of wanted fugitive Manakandathil Thekkethi alias Sheela Allyani on October 9 from Saudi Arabia. The subject is wanted by the CBI in a case of criminal conspiracy and cheating,” the agency said.

Red Notice and international cooperation

The CBI revealed that it had earlier obtained a Red Notice from Interpol against the accused on October 5, 2023. The notice, which serves as an international alert for wanted fugitives, was circulated globally to all law enforcement agencies to facilitate tracking and extradition.

A dedicated CBI team was dispatched to Saudi Arabia to coordinate with the local authorities and oversee the return of the fugitive. The agency confirmed that the team successfully brought back the accused to India on October 9, marking another success in its cross-border law enforcement operations.

“Red Notices published by Interpol are circulated to all law enforcement agencies globally for tracking wanted fugitives. CBI, as the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India, coordinates with all law enforcement agencies through the BHARATPOL network for assistance via Interpol channels,” the statement added.

Consistent success in bringing fugitives back

The agency also highlighted its recent track record of success in bringing fugitives back to India through coordinated efforts with international partners. “More than 130 wanted criminals have been returned to India in the last few years through coordination via Interpol channels,” the CBI said.

This latest operation adds to the growing list of successful extraditions and deportations facilitated by the CBI’s International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU). The unit, which works closely with foreign governments and law enforcement agencies, plays a vital role in ensuring that accused individuals who flee the country are brought to justice.

Recent extradition of Munawar Khan from Kuwait

Just last month, the CBI successfully coordinated the return of another fugitive, Munawar Khan, from Kuwait through Interpol channels. Khan was wanted by the CBI in a case involving criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery.

According to the agency, the IPCU, in collaboration with the MEA and the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Kuwait, successfully facilitated Khan’s return to India on September 11. Khan had been accused of defrauding the Bank of Baroda along with other co-conspirators before fleeing to Kuwait. He was later declared a proclaimed offender by Indian authorities.

CBI’s growing international enforcement footprint

The successful return of both Sheela Allyani and Munawar Khan underscores India’s strengthening global enforcement partnerships through Interpol and diplomatic channels. With growing cooperation between Indian and foreign law enforcement agencies, the CBI continues to expand its effectiveness in tracking down and repatriating fugitives who attempt to evade Indian law by fleeing abroad.

The agency’s coordinated approach, supported by the MEA and MHA, has been instrumental in reinforcing India’s commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring accountability for those accused of serious economic and financial offences.

A message of deterrence

Officials said the CBI’s consistent efforts to bring back wanted criminals send a strong message to offenders that international borders will not shield them from facing justice in India. The agency affirmed that it would continue leveraging Interpol channels and diplomatic collaboration to pursue fugitives wanted in various criminal cases across the country.

With more than 130 such returns in recent years, the CBI’s operations through Interpol demonstrate the growing efficiency of India’s international crime cooperation framework — a significant stride towards ensuring that justice is not denied by geographical distance.