The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and authorities in the United Arab Emirates, has successfully facilitated the return of Uttarakhand’s wanted fugitive Jagdish Punetha. He was brought back to India on 13 November 2025.
According to officials, a Red Notice had been issued against Punetha in connection with FIR No. 239/2021 registered at Pithoragarh Police Station. He was accused of cheating and criminal conspiracy and had fled to the UAE to evade arrest. Following joint efforts by the CBI and UAE authorities, Punetha was traced, detained, and handed over to Indian officials.
Acting on Uttarakhand Police’s request, the CBI had initiated the process for an Interpol Red Notice on 6 May 2025. After his detention, a police team from Uttarakhand travelled to the UAE to bring him back to India, and he has since been taken to New Delhi for further legal procedures.
Interpol Red Notices are circulated worldwide to help law enforcement agencies trace and locate wanted fugitives. As India’s National Central Bureau, the CBI coordinates with domestic agencies through Interpol channels. Over the past few years, more than 150 wanted fugitives have been returned to India through such coordinated efforts.
