Continuing Challenges in Extraditing Fugitives: India’s Ongoing Legal Battles
Tahawwur Rana’s extradition signifies a notable success for India, but several fugitives, including Anmol Bishnoi and Nirav Modi, still evade repatriation. India has submitted numerous extradition requests, with only a fraction being successful, reflecting the challenges in bringing criminals to justice.
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, marks a significant achievement for India, as he has been taken into custody after losing his appeal in the US Supreme Court. However, various other fugitives remain at large, complicating India’s efforts for repatriation.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), between 2019 and 2024, India submitted a total of 178 extradition requests. The MEA successfully repatriated 23 criminals during this period, yet several high-profile fugitives still need to be extradited for prosecution in India.
Among these fugitives is Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is accused of supplying weapons and assisting shooters in high-profile murders. In 2022, Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice against him, and the NIA offered a reward of ₹10 lakh for information leading to his capture. His extradition request was made in January 2024.
Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, has emerged as a top criminal figure after taking leadership of the Khalistan Tiger Force. He has been linked to numerous crimes, including terrorism and extortion. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him in May 2022, and the Indian government sought his provisional arrest in Canada in July 2023. Despite his detention, extradition has not yet occurred.
Satinderjit Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, is another fugitive associated with Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. He manages foreign operations for the crew and is on Canada’s list of 25 most-wanted individuals, classified as a terrorist by the Indian government. An Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against him in June 2022.
Nirav Modi, a diamond businessman wanted for fraud and money laundering, has been in London since 2018. He faces multiple criminal proceedings in India, including fraud against Punjab National Bank. Although the UK authorized his extradition in April 2021, he continues to fight it in court, having been deemed a flight risk.
Sanjay Bhandari, residing in London since 2016, faces serious charges including tax evasion and money laundering. His extradition was sanctioned by a UK official in January 2023. However, the UK High Court denied India’s request for an appeal regarding his extradition case in April 2025, further complicating India’s pursuit of Bhandari’s return.
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana highlights the ongoing efforts of India to repatriate fugitives involved in serious crimes. While Rana’s capture is a significant victory, other high-profile individuals like Anmol Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh Gill, Satinderjit Singh, Nirav Modi, and Sanjay Bhandari remain elusive. These cases illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by India in international extradition processes.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
