CBI extradites Haryana fugitive Abhay Rana from Portugal to India
Synopsis
A Haryana-based organised crime accused wanted for extortion, murder attempt, and running a syndicate has been extradited from Portugal after being tracked via an INTERPOL Red Notice — the latest in a string of over 160 fugitive repatriations India has secured in recent years through the CBI-led BHARATPOL network.
Key Takeaways
Abhay alias Abhay Rana was extradited from Portugal to India on 9 May 2025 after a formal extradition request was approved by Portuguese authorities.
He was wanted by Haryana Police for extortion , criminal intimidation , attempt to murder , and operating an organised crime syndicate .
An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued at the request of Haryana Police through the National Central Bureau (NCB)-New Delhi .
Rana allegedly threatened businessmen in Karnal district via WhatsApp calls , demanding ransom, with those who refused reportedly assaulted.
The CBI has now repatriated more than 160 wanted criminals to India in recent years through INTERPOL channels and the BHARATPOL platform.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has successfully secured the extradition of wanted fugitive Abhay alias Abhay Rana from Portugal to India, according to an official statement released on Saturday, 9 May 2025. Rana, who was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, was wanted by the Haryana Police in multiple criminal cases registered across the state.
Charges Against the Accused
The charges against Abhay Rana include extortion, criminal intimidation, operating an organised crime syndicate, attempt to murder, and issuing life threats. According to investigators, in one of the cases registered in Karnal district of Haryana, the accused, along with his associates, allegedly threatened local businessmen through social media platforms — including WhatsApp calls — demanding ransom payments. Those who failed to comply were reportedly assaulted by members of the syndicate.
How the Extradition Unfolded
Following the completion of the investigation, a charge sheet was filed against the accused before the competent court. On the request of the Haryana Police, the National Central Bureau (NCB)-New Delhi got an INTERPOL Red Notice issued against Rana. After he was geo-located and subsequently arrested by Portuguese authorities, India submitted a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels.
Following due legal proceedings, the Portuguese authorities approved the extradition. A Haryana Police escort team travelled to Portugal, where the accused was formally handed over to Indian authorities. The team, along with Rana, arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday.
India's Broader Extradition Record
The CBI noted that more than 160 wanted criminals have been successfully brought back to India in recent years through coordinated efforts using INTERPOL channels. The agency functions as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India and coordinates with all domestic law enforcement agencies through the BHARATPOL platform for international police cooperation. This extradition underscores the growing effectiveness of India's bilateral legal assistance frameworks and its use of multilateral policing tools.
What Happens Next
With Rana now in Indian custody, the Haryana Police are expected to produce him before the competent court to face trial in the multiple cases registered against him. The successful extradition is likely to reinforce India's ongoing diplomatic push to repatriate other fugitives believed to be sheltering abroad.
Point of View
Underreported trend: India is quietly building one of Asia's more active fugitive-repatriation pipelines, with over 160 returns in recent years. What rarely gets scrutiny is the timeline — how long these accused operated abroad after being geo-located, and whether the BHARATPOL platform is closing that gap consistently. The Karnal extortion case also highlights a pattern of organised crime syndicates using social media and messaging apps to run transnational intimidation rackets, a threat that extradition alone cannot fully dismantle.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abhay Rana and why was he wanted by Haryana Police?
Abhay alias Abhay Rana is a wanted fugitive who was facing multiple criminal cases registered in Haryana, including charges of extortion, criminal intimidation, operating an organised crime syndicate, attempt to murder, and issuing life threats. He allegedly threatened businessmen in Karnal district via WhatsApp, demanding ransom payments.
How did India secure the extradition of Abhay Rana from Portugal?
The CBI, coordinating with the MEA and MHA, got an INTERPOL Red Notice issued against Rana through the National Central Bureau-New Delhi. After Portuguese authorities geo-located and arrested him, India submitted a formal extradition request, which Portugal approved following due legal proceedings.
When did Abhay Rana arrive back in India?
Abhay Rana arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday, 9 May 2025, escorted by a Haryana Police team that had travelled to Portugal for the handover.
What is BHARATPOL and how does it help in extraditions?
BHARATPOL is India's platform for international police cooperation, operated by the CBI in its capacity as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India. It coordinates with domestic law enforcement agencies to facilitate assistance and information-sharing through INTERPOL channels, enabling extraditions and fugitive tracking.
How many fugitives has India extradited in recent years?
According to the CBI, more than 160 wanted criminals have been successfully brought back to India in recent years through coordinated efforts using INTERPOL channels and the BHARATPOL platform.
