CBI Brings Back Wanted Fugitive Manakandathil Thekkethi From Saudi Arabia

Manakandathil Thekkethi alias Sheela Allyani (on left)

In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully coordinated the return of wanted fugitive Manakandathil Thekkethi alias Sheela Allyani from Saudi Arabia through INTERPOL channels, the agency said in an official release on Thursday.

According to the statement, “The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with MEA and MHA has successfully coordinated return of wanted fugitive MANAKANDATHIL THEKKETHI @ SHEELA ALLYANI on 09.10.2025 from Saudi Arabia.”

The CBI said that Thekkethi, also known as Sheela Allyani, was wanted in a case involving criminal conspiracy and cheating. The statement added, “Earlier, CBI got the Red Notice published against MANAKANDATHIL THEKKETHI @ SHEELA ALLYANI through INTERPOL on 05.10.2023. A team of CBI officials visited the Saudi Arabia and brought back the subject to India on 09.10.2025.”

The release further explained the process of such international coordination, noting that “Red Notices published by INTERPOL are circulated to all the Law Enforcement Agencies globally for tracking of the wanted fugitives.”

Highlighting India’s close collaboration with global enforcement networks, the CBI said, “CBI as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India, coordinates with all Law Enforcement Agencies in India through BHARATPOL for assistance via INTERPOL channels.”

The agency also underscored its success in bringing back fugitives through such cooperation. “More than 130 wanted criminals have been returned to India in last few years through coordination via INTERPOL channels,” the statement said.

The operation marks another significant success in India’s continued efforts to track and bring back fugitives facing serious criminal charges abroad.