In a major cross-border operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has successfully ensured the return of wanted fugitive Jagdish Punetha from the United Arab Emirates on 13 November 2025.
Punetha, a Red Notice subject, was wanted by the Uttarakhand Police in FIR No. 239/2021 registered at the Pithoragarh Police Station for cheating and criminal conspiracy. After fleeing to the UAE, his location and subsequent apprehension were coordinated meticulously by the CBI with the support of UAE authorities.
The CBI had earlier facilitated the publication of the INTERPOL Red Notice against Punetha on 6 May 2025, following a request from Uttarakhand Police. A dedicated team from Uttarakhand Police travelled to the UAE to take custody of the fugitive and brought him back to New Delhi on 13 November 2025.
INTERPOL Red Notices are disseminated globally to law enforcement agencies to track and detain wanted fugitives. As India&rsquo;s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, the CBI coordinates with domestic agencies through BHARATPOL, enabling seamless international cooperation.
Over the past few years, more than 150 wanted criminals have been successfully returned to India through this strengthened coordination via INTERPOL channels &mdash; a reflection of India&rsquo;s increasing efficiency in tackling transnational crime.

CBI, MEA and MHA coordinate return of Red Notice fugitive Jagdish Punetha from UAE

CBI Brings Back UAE Fugitive to Uttarakhand

CBI, MEA and MHA coordinate return of Red Notice fugitive Jagdish Punetha from UAE

November 14, 2025 | 15:57 IST