The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully repatriated Manakandathil Thekkethi, a fugitive wanted in a high-profile case of criminal conspiracy and cheating, from Saudi Arabia. Operating under the alias Sheela Kallyani, Thekkethi’s return marks another triumph for India’s premier investigative agency in its ongoing efforts to bring absconding criminals to justice. Coordinated through Interpol channels and in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, this operation underscores India’s robust international law enforcement partnerships, as highlighted by the CBI’s announcement on X.

Thekkethi’s capture follows the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice on October 5, a critical tool circulated to global law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend fugitives. A dedicated CBI team traveled to Saudi Arabia to facilitate her extradition, ensuring her return to India to face charges. The agency, serving as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, worked closely with domestic law enforcement through Bharatpol to execute the operation. This case adds to the CBI’s impressive record, with over 130 wanted criminals repatriated in recent years through similar Interpol-coordinated efforts.

The charges against Thekkethi stem from a case involving criminal conspiracy and cheating, though specific details of her alleged offenses remain undisclosed by the CBI. Her use of the alias Sheela Kallyani suggests an attempt to evade detection, a tactic common among fugitives seeking refuge abroad. The swift issuance of the Red Notice and the subsequent operation reflect the agency’s proactive approach to tackling financial and conspiratorial crimes, reinforcing India’s commitment to upholding justice beyond its borders.

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This repatriation is part of a broader wave of successful operations by the CBI. In September 2025, the agency brought back Munawar Khan from Kuwait, wanted for forgery and cheating, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and Kuwait’s National Central Bureau. Similarly, Harshit Babulal Jain was deported from the United Arab Emirates for tax evasion, illegal gambling, and money laundering, with support from Gujarat Police. Both cases involved Red Notices, highlighting Interpol’s pivotal role in tracking high-profile offenders.

The return of Manakandathil Thekkethi sends a strong message to fugitives worldwide: India’s law enforcement is relentless in its pursuit of justice. As the CBI continues to leverage global networks like Interpol, the successful repatriation of over 130 criminals in recent years demonstrates the agency’s growing efficacy. Thekkethi’s case, like those before it, reaffirms India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring that no one can escape the long arm of the law, no matter where they hide.

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