NIA arrests deported accused Pudumadam Imran in 2021 Sri Lanka trafficking case
Synopsis
Absconding for years, Pudumadam Imran — accused of luring Sri Lankan victims with false Canada visa promises and routing their money through hawala networks — was finally caught at Bengaluru airport after Sri Lanka acted on an INTERPOL Red Notice. He is the third accused arrested in this 2021 NIA case, with the broader trafficking network still under active investigation.
Key Takeaways
NIA arrested absconding accused Pudumadam Imran at Bengaluru International Airport on 13 November 2026 after he was deported from Sri Lanka .
Imran was detained by Sri Lankan authorities on the basis of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at the NIA's request.
He allegedly lured Sri Lankan nationals with false promises of travel to Canada and funnelled money through hawala channels to co-accused in India.
The case was re-registered by NIA on 13 July 2021 under IPC Sections 120B , 370 , and 420 , among other provisions.
Two earlier absconding accused — Seeni Aabul Khan and Imran Khan — were arrested in 2024 and 2025 and are currently on trial before the Special NIA Court in Bengaluru .
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday, 13 November 2026, arrested absconding accused Pudumadam Imran at the Bengaluru International Airport upon his repatriation from Sri Lanka, in connection with a 2021 human trafficking case involving victims lured with false promises of passage to Canada. Imran had evaded Indian law enforcement for years before Sri Lankan authorities detained him on the basis of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at the NIA's request.
How the Arrest Came About
Imran had remained a fugitive since the case was first registered, with the NIA tracking him across jurisdictions. Sri Lankan authorities acted on the INTERPOL Red Notice and detained him before facilitating his repatriation to India. He was taken into custody the moment he landed in Bengaluru, marking the culmination of a prolonged cross-border manhunt.
What the Accused Is Alleged to Have Done
According to the investigating agency, Imran allegedly played an active role in a conspiracy to traffic Sri Lankan nationals by falsely promising them legitimate travel to Canada with valid documents. He reportedly collected money from the families and relatives of victims and channelled these funds through hawala networks to co-accused individuals in India, who were responsible for trafficking and confining the victims.
Origins of the Case
The case traces back to raids conducted by local police at premises in Mangaluru after credible intelligence indicated the presence of Sri Lankan nationals residing in India without valid documentation. A case was initially registered under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Foreigners' Act, and the Passport Act. The NIA took over the investigation and re-registered the case on 13 July 2021 under Sections 120B, 370, and 420 of the IPC, Section 14 of the Foreigners' Act, and Section 12(1A) of the Passport Act.
Earlier Arrests and Ongoing Trial
Pudumadam Imran's arrest is the third major development in this case. Two other absconding accused — Seeni Aabul Khan and Imran Khan — were arrested in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Both are currently facing trial before the Special Court for NIA Cases in Bengaluru. This is notably the second person named Imran linked to the case, underscoring the alleged network's layered structure.
What Happens Next
The NIA has stated it continues to investigate the broader conspiracy and the alleged trafficking network responsible for exploiting Sri Lankan nationals through India. With Pudumadam Imran now in custody, investigators are expected to deepen scrutiny of the hawala channels and any additional co-conspirators who may still be at large. The case highlights India's growing use of international law enforcement mechanisms, including INTERPOL notices, to close gaps left by cross-border fugitives.
Point of View
The NIA appears to be systematically dismantling this network, but the hawala trail — which reportedly moved funds across borders — may point to financial facilitators still untouched. How deep the probe goes into those money channels will determine whether this is a full dismantling or merely its visible layer.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pudumadam Imran and why was he arrested?
Pudumadam Imran is an accused in a 2021 NIA human trafficking case involving Sri Lankan nationals. He was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on 13 November 2026 after being deported from Sri Lanka, where authorities had detained him on an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at the NIA's request.
What is the 2021 Sri Lanka human trafficking case about?
The case involves an alleged conspiracy to traffic Sri Lankan nationals through India by falsely promising them legitimate travel to Canada with valid documents. The accused reportedly collected money from victims' families and routed it through hawala networks. The NIA took over the case on 13 July 2021 after it was initially registered by local police in Mangaluru.
What charges does Pudumadam Imran face?
He faces charges under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 370 (trafficking of persons), and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, Section 14 of the Foreigners' Act, and Section 12(1A) of the Passport Act.
Who else has been arrested in this case?
Two other absconding accused — Seeni Aabul Khan and Imran Khan — were arrested in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Both are currently facing trial before the Special Court for NIA Cases in Bengaluru.
What happens next in the investigation?
The NIA has said it is continuing to investigate the broader trafficking network and conspiracy. With Pudumadam Imran now in custody, investigators are expected to examine hawala transaction trails and identify any remaining co-conspirators, particularly those who facilitated the financial transfers.
