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How fugitive Ritik Bajaj, wanted in a major narcotics case, was tracked and captured through a web of INTERPOL alerts and global coordination. The international manhunt that shocked India!
CBI brings back fugitive Ritik Bajaj from UAE via INTERPOL
New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s fight against transnational crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday successfully coordinated the return of wanted fugitive Ritik Bajaj from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through INTERPOL channels.
Bajaj is wanted by the Delhi Police in connection with cases related to the smuggling and supply of narcotic substances.
The operation was carried out with the close cooperation of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Officials said the coordinated effort highlights India’s growing capabilities in tracking and repatriating fugitives who flee abroad to evade legal proceedings.
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Ritik Bajaj had absconded from India after allegedly being involved in narcotics-related offences. Following his escape, Indian agencies launched an extensive international search to trace his whereabouts.
At the request of the Delhi Police, the CBI, acting as India’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL, secured the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice against Bajaj on October 9, 2025. The Red Notice, bearing Control Number A-14700/10-2025, was circulated globally among law enforcement agencies to aid in locating and detaining the fugitive.
With the assistance of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), New Delhi, Bajaj was geo-located in the UAE. Further intelligence inputs were received through coordination with INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Bangkok, which provided details regarding his international travel movements.
Following confirmation of Bajaj’s location, the CBI coordinated with NCB Abu Dhabi to trace and secure him in the UAE. After completing all legal and diplomatic formalities, a team from the Delhi Police was sent to the UAE to bring the accused back to India.
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The Delhi Police team arrived in New Delhi with Ritik Bajaj on December 23, 2025, where he will now face further investigation and legal proceedings as per Indian law.
INTERPOL Red Notices are critical tools for tracking wanted criminals across borders. The CBI, through its BHARATPOL platform, facilitates coordination between Indian law enforcement agencies and INTERPOL counterparts worldwide.
Officials noted that over the past few years, more than 150 wanted criminals have been successfully brought back to India through effective use of INTERPOL channels, reflecting strengthened international cooperation in law enforcement.
