New Delhi, April 4 :
In a significant success in international police cooperation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has coordinated the return of two wanted fugitives, Suhail Basheer and Tofik Najir Khan, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through INTERPOL channels. Both individuals were wanted by Indian law enforcement authorities—Kerala Police and Gujarat Police, respectively.
The International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, in collaboration with NCB-Abu Dhabi and Kerala Police, successfully secured the return of Suhail Basheer, a Red Notice subject, on April 2, 2025. He was brought back to India by an escort team from Kerala Police and arrived at Cochin International Airport. Basheer, who had been geo-located in the UAE through sustained tracking efforts by the CBI via INTERPOL, is wanted in Crime No.1319/2023 registered at Muvattupuzha Police Station, Ernakulam Rural District, Kerala. He faces serious allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including the rape of a minor girl. A Red Notice was issued against him on December 2, 2024, at the request of Kerala Police.
In a parallel operation, the IPCU also facilitated the repatriation of Tofik Najir Khan, wanted by Gujarat Police in a case involving criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating registered at Bavlu Police Station, Mehsana District. On April 2, 2025, Tofik was also brought to Cochin International Airport, where he was handed over to the Gujarat Police team. A Red Notice against Khan was issued on February 25, 2025, on the request of Gujarat Police.
Red Notices issued by INTERPOL serve as global alerts to locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition. CBI, as the National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL in India, coordinates with all law enforcement agencies in the country through its digital platform BHARATPOL.
Over the past few years, CBI’s efforts through INTERPOL have resulted in the successful return of more than 100 wanted fugitives, reinforcing India’s commitment to bring criminals to justice regardless of borders.
