Overview

• A CBI team traveled to Saudi Arabia and escorted Manakandathil Thekkethi, also known as Sheela Allyani, back to India on October 9.
• Thekkethi is wanted in a CBI case alleging criminal conspiracy and cheating.
• CBI obtained an Interpol Red Notice for Thekkethi on October 5, 2023 before coordinating the handover.
• The operation used Interpol pathways with support from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, with CBI acting as India’s Interpol National Central Bureau through BHARATPOL.
• CBI cites a broader pattern that includes the September 11 return of Munawar Khan from Kuwait in a forgery and cheating case involving Bank of Baroda.