India secures extradition of Abhay Rana from Portugal in Haryana organised crime case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday extradited fugitive gangster Abhay Rana from Portugal.

Rana, who was facing an Interpol Red Notice and was wanted by Haryana Police in cases related to extortion, criminal intimidation and attempt to murder, was brought back to India following coordinated diplomatic and legal efforts by Indian authorities.

Rana was escorted to India on May 9 after Portuguese authorities approved his extradition.

“The subject, namely Abhay alias Abhay Rana, was wanted by Haryana Police in a number of criminal cases registered in Haryana, involving offences such as extortion, criminal intimidation, operation of an organised crime syndicate, attempt to murder and issuance of life threats,” a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

Officials said more than 160 wanted criminals have been repatriated to India in recent years through coordination using Interpol channels.

In the case registered against Rana in Karnal, investigators alleged that he and his associates threatened local businessmen through social media platforms, including WhatsApp calls, demanding ransom payments.

According to officials, businessmen who failed to comply with the demands were allegedly assaulted by members of the syndicate. A chargesheet has already been filed against Rana before the competent court following completion of the investigation.

officials said the syndicate relied heavily on violence and intimidation to maintain control in the region.

Even while operating from abroad, Rana allegedly used local associates to enforce threats and carry out attacks.

The CBI, which acts as India’s nodal agency for matters related to Interpol, secured a Red Notice against Rana, officials said.

An Interpol Red Notice alerts member countries worldwide to locate and provisionally detain fugitives wanted by another member nation.

Officials said Rana was later geo-located and arrested by Portuguese authorities, after which India submitted a formal extradition request. Following the completion of legal proceedings, Portuguese authorities approved his extradition to India.