CBI brings back fugitive Sheela Kalyani from Saudi Arabia after global Interpol hunt

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has achieved a major breakthrough by bringing back fugitive Sheela Kalyani from Saudi Arabia through Interpol channels. Wanted on charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating, Kalyani was traced and extradited with the cooperation of the MEA and MHA. The CBI team brought her to India on October 9, 2025, marking another success in the agency's global crackdown on fugitives.

According to the CBI, Sheela Kalyani faces serious charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating. Credit:TV9

Adan Khan | Updated on: Oct 09, 2025 | 08:03 PM

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New Delhi: In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully brought back Manakandathil Thekkethil alias Sheela Kalyani, a fugitive wanted in India, from Saudi Arabia. The operation was carried out through Interpol channels with close coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Red Notice leads arrest

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According to the CBI, Sheela Kalyani faces serious charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against her on October 5, 2023, following which sustained efforts were made to locate and extradite her. After months of coordination with Saudi authorities, a CBI team travelled to Saudi Arabia and brought her back to India on October 9, 2025.

The agency said Interpol’s Red Notice is shared with law enforcement agencies worldwide to help trace and detain wanted criminals. In India, the CBI serves as the National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol and connects investigative agencies through the BHARATPOL platform. Over the past few years, the CBI has brought back more than 130 fugitives to India using Interpol coordination, marking a growing success rate in cross-border investigations.