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India has formally stepped up efforts to secure the return of fugitive Hussain Mohammed Shattaf from the United Arab Emirates as legal and diplomatic channels are activated to ensure he faces trial for a long pending murder case and related offences.
Murder case linked to 2006 killing of Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi.
New Delhi: India has officially initiated the extradition process against Hussain Mohammed Shattaf, a fugitive accused in a high profile murder case from Maharashtra. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the necessary documentation has been forwarded to the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates to accelerate legal proceedings. The move signals a renewed push by New Delhi to bring back individuals who have fled the country to evade justice.
Senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs have reiterated that the government remains resolute in its stand against fugitives who escape Indian jurisdiction. According to officials, the extradition process involves extensive coordination with foreign governments and often faces legal and procedural hurdles. Despite these complexities, the government has assured that all possible steps are being taken to ensure such individuals are returned to India to stand trial before Indian courts.
Hussain Mohammed Shattaf is wanted in connection with the murder of Merchant Navy officer Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi. The crime took place in Lonavala in Maharashtra on May 14, 2006. Following the incident, Pune Police registered a case and later issued a proclamation declaring Shattaf an absconder. Judicial authorities in Maval confirmed that he has been formally declared a wanted accused in the murder case.
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Apart from the murder charge, Shattaf faces several other serious allegations. Law enforcement agencies have registered cases related to forgery, cheating and the use of fake documents. Mumbai Police have accused him of manipulating personal records, including forging a marriage certificate and altering his name and parentage. These acts were allegedly carried out to secure residency in the United Arab Emirates and obtain official documents through fraudulent means.
Authorities are also examining the legality of Shattaf’s stay in the United Arab Emirates after it was revealed that his passport had expired. Court records indicate that he was issued a passport in 2019 with limited validity due to an ongoing court case. The document expired in 2021, raising serious questions about how he continued to remain abroad. Indian agencies have been asked to verify whether he is currently staying in the UAE without valid travel documents.
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The Bombay High Court has played a significant role in pushing the extradition process forward. In a recent notice, the court questioned delays and directed both the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to actively pursue the matter. The court observed that an extradition proposal had already been sent by the Maharashtra Home Department but awaited a response from the central authorities. The intervention has added urgency to the case, which has remained unresolved for nearly two decades.
In a major development, Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice against Shattaf in 2024, formally identifying him as a fugitive wanted for murder. Additionally, Mumbai Police issued a Lookout Circular in a separate passport forgery case to prevent him from traveling undetected. These measures have strengthened India’s position in seeking his return from the UAE.
With coordinated action from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Maharashtra government and international agencies, the extradition process has finally gathered momentum. The family of Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi has expressed cautious optimism that justice may soon be delivered, almost nineteen years after the crime shook their lives.
During the Winter Session 2025, the Minister of State for External Affairs informed Parliament that India has sent over a hundred extradition requests to foreign nations in recent years. A majority of these requests have been accepted, while several remain under process. The government also confirmed that multiple fugitives have been successfully brought back, reflecting India’s increasing focus on international legal cooperation.
