India Extradition Cases 2024 have made headlines with the return of several notorious figures, including Abu Salem, Chhota Rajan, Christian Michel, and Tahawwur Rana. However, key names like Nirav Modi, Goldy Brar, and Vijay Mallya remain beyond India’s reach. This article breaks down the biggest extradition wins so far—and the high-profile fugitives still on the run.
India has successfully extradited several high-profile fugitives over the years as part of the India Extradition Cases 2024, including Christian Michel, Abu Salem, Chhota Rajan, and most recently, Tahawwur Rana. Meanwhile, the extradition of others—such as Nirav Modi, Goldy Brar, and Vijay Mallya—remains stalled due to complex diplomatic and legal challenges.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was extradited to India on suspicion of being involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is scheduled to arrive at the Palam airport in New Delhi on Thursday night. Under Indian law, he will now stand trial.
After Rana used every legal means to prevent his extradition, he was carried in on a special flight from the United States on Wednesday evening.
Rana might expose Pakistani state actors’ involvement in the 26/11 attacks.
According to NIA sources quoted by PTI, questioning Tahawwur Rana—recently extradited as part of the India Extradition Cases 2024—could help Indian agencies uncover the involvement of Pakistani state actors in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people.
Even sixteen years after the horrific attacks, India is still working to bring about justice, as evidenced by his extradition.
According to investigations tied to the India Extradition Cases 2024, Tahawwur Rana and his wife, Samraz Rana Akhtar, traveled through several Indian cities between November 13 and November 21, 2008. Their itinerary included Delhi, Kochi in Kerala, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Mumbai in Maharashtra, and Hapur and Agra in Uttar Pradesh—locations that are now under renewed scrutiny in connection with the 26/11 terror case.
India’s case against Pakistan may be strengthened by Rana’s testimony.
India’s efforts to highlight Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism at international fora like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) may be strengthened by Rana’s remarks. His assistance might offer concrete proof that the 26/11 attacks were carried out by terror organizations supported by Pakistan, hence bolstering India’s demand that Pakistan be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.
India’s extradition process, relevant to the ongoing India Extradition Cases 2024, is governed by the Extradition Act of 1962. This law outlines how fugitive criminals can be brought to or sent from India. To date, India has signed extradition treaties with 48 countries and maintains extradition arrangements with 12 additional nations.
Significantly effective extraditions to India
India has successfully apprehended a number of well-known fugitives over the years:
Abu Salem (from Portugal, 2005)
On November 11, 2005, Abu Salem, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, was extradited from Portugal. He was implicated in multiple murder and extortion cases and was a major suspect in the 1993 Mumbai explosions. He is incarcerated in Nashik for the duration of his life sentence.
He asked the Bombay High Court to set his release date earlier this year, claiming that he could not be imprisoned for more than 25 years due to a Supreme Court decision.
Christian Michel (from UAE, 2018)
Christian Michel, a key figure in the India Extradition Cases 2024, was extradited from the UAE in December 2018 for his alleged role as a middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. He was recently granted bail by the Delhi High Court in a money laundering case and had earlier received bail from the Supreme Court in the CBI case.
In exposing corruption in defense transactions, his extradition was viewed as a significant victory for India.
Ravi Pujari (from Senegal, 2020)
Ravi Pujari, a notorious underworld don who spent years hiding in various African nations to avoid capture, was extradited from Senegal. He was sought in more than 200 offenses, including extortion and murder. His return was viewed as a forceful action against international criminal organizations.
Chhota Rajan (from Indonesia, 2015)
Chhota Rajan was extradited from Bali, Indonesia, after serving as a top aide to Dawood Ibrahim, who eventually became his nemesis. Since his return, he has been found guilty in numerous cases and faces numerous harsh penalties. His capture was a significant victory in dismantling the D-Company’s international network.
⏳ Ongoing and Delayed Extraditions in India Extradition Cases 2024
Goldy Brar
Brar, who is based in Canada, is wanted for a number of heinous offenses, including killing musician Sidhu Moosewala. Although he has been the subject of a Red Corner Notice, his extradition may be delayed due to Canada’s legal system.
Anmol Bishnoi
In November 2024, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s younger brother was arrested in the United States for traveling with forged documents. India has started the extradition procedure, although it may take longer if he applies for asylum in the US, according to sources. Authorities in Canada may also pursue custody first because he was residing there.
Vijay Mallya
Mallya’s extradition from the UK is still ongoing; she is wanted for financial fraud and loan defaults connected to Kingfisher Airlines. Despite being permitted by UK courts, the procedure has been halted by legal challenges and delays.
Nirav Modi
Nirav Modi, accused in the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, remains in a London prison. As part of the high-profile India Extradition Cases 2024, his return to India has faced delays despite UK courts and the Home Secretary approving his extradition in 2021. The process is currently stalled due to a confidential legal matter—reportedly an asylum plea—which may take additional time to resolve.
