India on Saturday, 9 May 2025, formally thanked the Portuguese government and its law enforcement authorities for their cooperation in the successful extradition of wanted fugitive Abhay Rana — also known as Abhay alias Abhay Rana — from Portugal to India. The accused, who was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, in the custody of a Haryana Police escort team on the same day.

How the Extradition Was Secured

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), orchestrated the extradition under the bilateral extradition agreement between India and Portugal. The Embassy of India in Lisbon issued a formal statement acknowledging the conclusion of the process, noting that the operation involved sustained coordination between the MEA, MHA, Haryana Police, the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, and multiple Portuguese law enforcement agencies.

"The return of Abhay Rana marks an important step in the ongoing efforts of the Government of India to extradite fugitives currently residing in various foreign countries," the Embassy's statement read.

Charges Against Abhay Rana

According to the CBI, Abhay Rana was wanted by Haryana Police in multiple criminal cases registered across the state. The charges against him include extortion, criminal intimidation, operating an organised crime syndicate, attempt to murder, and issuing life threats. In one case registered in Karnal district, Haryana, the accused and his associates allegedly threatened local businessmen through social media platforms, including WhatsApp calls, demanding ransom payments. Those who refused to comply were reportedly assaulted by members of the syndicate.

Following the completion of the investigation, a charge sheet was filed against the accused before the competent court. Abhay Rana will now face trial in Indian courts, according to the Embassy's statement.

Role of Interpol and the Legal Process

On the request of Haryana Police, the National Central Bureau (NCB), New Delhi — India's nodal body for Interpol — got an Interpol Red Notice issued against the accused. After Portuguese authorities geo-located and arrested him, India submitted a formal extradition request. Following due legal proceedings in Portugal, the extradition was approved and the accused was formally handed over to a Haryana Police escort team, which then flew back to India.

The CBI, which functions as India's National Central Bureau for Interpol and coordinates through the Bharatpol platform, noted that more than 160 wanted criminals have been successfully returned to India in recent years through Interpol channels — underscoring the growing effectiveness of India's international fugitive-recovery operations.

Broader Significance

This extradition is part of a sustained push by the Indian government to repatriate individuals accused of serious crimes who have fled abroad. The operation reflects deepening law enforcement ties between India and Portugal, and demonstrates how multilateral frameworks such as Interpol's Red Notice system can be leveraged alongside bilateral treaties to close jurisdictional gaps. Abhay Rana's return is expected to accelerate the trial proceedings in Haryana courts, where multiple cases against him are pending.