LISBON, Portugal, May 10 (ANI) — India expressed appreciation to the Portuguese government and its law enforcement agencies for their “cooperation and support in the successful extradition” of wanted fugitive Abhay Rana back to the country.
The Central Bureau of Investigation, working in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, facilitated the return of Rana from Portugal.
Following the completion of the handover process, the Embassy of India in Lisbon issued an official statement acknowledging the assistance provided by Portuguese authorities.
“Abhay Rana is charged with several serious offences and will now be subject to trial in the Indian courts. This extradition was carried out under the bilateral extradition agreement between India and Portugal, following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice,” the embassy statement said.
The diplomatic mission added that the “return of Abhay Rana marks an important step in the ongoing efforts of the Government of India to extradite fugitives currently residing in various foreign countries.”
The embassy further emphasized that “the success of this operation was made possible through active and sustained coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Haryana Police, the Embassy of India in Lisbon, and various law enforcement agencies of Portugal.”
The cooperation is supported by a formal extradition treaty between India and Portugal that was ratified on Jan. 11, 2007. The agreement provides a legal framework for the transfer of wanted individuals while ensuring judicial proceedings comply with humanitarian safeguards.
A key provision of the treaty aligns with European legal standards by ensuring that extradited individuals do not face the death penalty. The agreement also stipulates that any custodial sentence imposed in the receiving country cannot exceed 25 years, a condition central to Portuguese judicial requirements.
The framework additionally operates on the principle of dual criminality, requiring that the alleged offense be punishable under the laws of both India and Portugal.
By assisting Indian authorities in the latest extradition operation, Portugal reaffirmed its commitment to the bilateral framework and cooperation in criminal prosecution matters involving fugitives sought by Indian law enforcement agencies. (ANI)
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