The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have successfully deported wanted fugitive Vishakha Rathod to India for an alleged ₹88 crore investment fraud case.
A Red Notice had been issued against Rathod by Interpol at the request of Indian authorities, and international cooperation resulted in her return to India.
What is the case against Vishakha Rathod?
According to investigators, Vishakha Rathod, along with her husband Avinash Rathod and other associates, lured investors into various investment schemes by promising guaranteed fixed monthly returns.
The accused collected crores of rupees from investors before dishonestly misappropriating the funds. The money was diverted through multiple bank accounts and demat accounts to conceal the proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Maharashtra Police is investigating the case.
How was Vishakha Rathod brought back?
After the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice, the UAE collaborated with Indian agencies to facilitate Vishakha Rathod's deportation.
She arrived in Pune on August 3, where she was taken into custody by a team from the Maharashtra Police. She is now in the custody of the investigating agency, and further investigation is ongoing.
Avinash Rathod Already Extradited
Earlier, on June 4, 2026, Interpol Red Corner Notices were issued against Avinash Rathod and Vishakha Rathod.
As a result, UAE authorities detained Avinash Rathod, who is believed to be the alleged mastermind behind the ₹88 crore investment fraud.
He was brought back to India on July 23, 2026, arrested by the Economic Offences Wing from Pune Airport at Mumbai International Airport, and taken before a court, where 10 days of police custody was granted for further investigation.
Role of the CBI and Interpol
The CBI acts as India’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol, facilitating international cooperation in criminal investigations.
Through Bharatpol and Interpol's global network, the agency coordinates with law enforcement authorities worldwide to locate, detain, and return wanted fugitives to India.
India's Crackdown on Fugitive Offenders
The deportation of Vishakha Rathod is part of the government’s larger campaign to bring back economic offenders and fugitives to face the Indian justice system.
According to the Central Government, 274 fugitive criminals have been successfully brought back to India from 36 countries from 2019 to July 2026, showing growing international cooperation in tackling cross-border crime.
Such coordinated efforts are strengthening India’s ability to pursue those accused of financial crimes, regardless of where they try to escape the law.
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the ₹88 crore investment fraud continues. Officials expect both Vishakha and Avinash Rathod to be questioned further to trace the movement of funds and find more beneficiaries and evidence associated with the alleged investment schemes.
As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations against the accused will be examined in court, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty according to law.
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