London, India thanked Portugal for its cooperation in the successful extradition of fugitive Abhay Rana, with the government describing the move as an important step in its ongoing efforts to bring back wanted criminals residing abroad.
Rana, wanted by Haryana Police in multiple criminal cases, including extortion, criminal intimidation and attempt to murder, was extradited from Portugal on Saturday under the bilateral extradition agreement between the two countries following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.
A statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, on Saturday said India thanks Portugal and its law enforcement authorities for their cooperation and support in the successful extradition of Rana.
The success of the operation was made possible through 'active and sustained coordination' among the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Haryana Police, the Embassy of India in Lisbon, and various law enforcement agencies of Portugal, the statement said.
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which coordinated the extradition process, Rana was wanted by Haryana Police in several criminal cases 'involving offences such as extortion, criminal intimidation, operation of an organised crime syndicate, attempt to murder and issuance of life threats'.
After the subject was geo-located and arrested by the Portuguese authorities, an extradition request was submitted to them. Following due legal process, the Portuguese authorities granted extradition of the subject to India.
