Lisbon, May 9: India expressed gratitude to the Portuguese government and its law enforcement agencies for their support in the successful extradition of wanted fugitive Abhay Rana.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensured Rana’s extradition from Portugal to India.
The Indian Embassy in Lisbon also thanked Portuguese authorities after the extradition process was completed.
In a statement released by the embassy, it was noted, “Abhay Rana faces several serious charges and will now stand trial in Indian courts. This extradition was carried out under the bilateral extradition treaty between India and Portugal, following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.”
The statement further emphasized, “Rana’s return is a significant step in the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to extradite fugitives residing in various foreign countries. The success of this operation was made possible through active and continuous coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Haryana Police, the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, and various Portuguese law enforcement agencies.”
According to the CBI, an Interpol Red Notice had been issued against Abhay Rana, who was wanted by Haryana Police in several criminal cases filed in the state. Charges against him include extortion, criminal intimidation, operating an organized crime syndicate, attempted murder, and making death threats.
Investigators revealed that in a case registered in Karnal district of Haryana, Rana allegedly conspired with associates to threaten local traders via social media platforms and demanded ransom. Those who failed to comply were reportedly attacked by members of the syndicate.
After the investigation, a charge sheet was filed against Rana in a competent court.
Upon a request from Haryana Police, the National Central Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi facilitated the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice against Rana. When Portuguese authorities located and arrested him, India formally requested his extradition.
Following proper legal procedures, Portuguese officials approved Rana’s extradition. Subsequently, a Haryana Police escort team traveled to Portugal, where they formally received the accused from the Portuguese authorities. This team arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi with Rana on Saturday.
As India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, the CBI coordinates with all law enforcement agencies in India through ‘Bharatpol’ for assistance via Interpol channels. Over the past few years, thanks to coordination through Interpol channels, more than 160 wanted criminals have been successfully brought back to India.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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