In a significant breakthrough in India’s crackdown on absconding accused hiding abroad, fugitive Abhay Rana was successfully extradited from Portugal following coordinated efforts by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The extradition was executed under the India-Portugal Extradition Treaty after an Interpol Red Notice was issued against him.
Indian authorities described the development as another major step in the government’s sustained push to bring wanted fugitives back to face trial in Indian courts.
Confirming the operation, the Embassy of India in Lisbon stated that the extradition was conducted in accordance with the bilateral extradition agreement signed between India and Portugal.
“This extradition was carried out under the bilateral extradition agreement between India and Portugal, following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice,” the Embassy said in an official statement.
The Embassy further confirmed that Abhay Rana is accused in multiple serious criminal cases in India and will now face judicial proceedings before Indian courts.
Multi-Agency Coordination Behind Operation
Officials said the extradition was made possible through extensive coordination between several Indian and Portuguese agencies.
The Embassy highlighted the role played by the MEA, MHA, Haryana Police, the Embassy of India in Lisbon, and Portuguese law enforcement authorities in ensuring the successful handover of the fugitive.
“The success of this operation was made possible through active and sustained coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Haryana Police, the Embassy of India in Lisbon, and various law enforcement agencies of Portugal,” the statement noted.
India also conveyed its appreciation to the Portuguese government and police authorities for their cooperation and support throughout the extradition process.
Major Push in India’s Fugitive Crackdown
The Indian mission termed Rana’s return as an important milestone in the Centre’s ongoing efforts to track down and extradite fugitives residing in foreign countries.
Officials said the successful extradition reflects increasing international cooperation in criminal investigations and enforcement actions involving Indian agencies.
It was the extradition treaty between India and Portugal, ratified on January 11, 2007, that provided the legal framework for the transfer of accused persons wanted for prosecution in either country.
Treaty Includes Humanitarian Safeguards
The bilateral agreement incorporates several safeguards in line with European legal standards.
Under the treaty provisions, extradited individuals cannot face the death penalty, and any custodial sentence imposed cannot exceed 25 years, a condition considered essential under Portuguese judicial norms.
The treaty also follows the principle of dual criminality, meaning the offence for which extradition is sought must be punishable under the laws of both countries.
By facilitating Rana’s extradition, Portugal reaffirmed its commitment to the bilateral legal framework and cooperation with Indian authorities in criminal matters.