CBI brings back Vishakha Rathod from UAE in ₹88-crore investment fraud case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), working in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has secured the deportation of fugitive Vishakha Rathod from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. Rathod, who was wanted in connection with an alleged ₹88-crore investment fraud, was returned following sustained coordination through Interpol channels.

Indian authorities had earlier obtained an Interpol Red Notice against Rathod to facilitate her location and detention abroad.

Alleged role in investment fraud

According to investigators, Vishakha Rathod and her husband, Avinash Rathod, are accused of orchestrating a large-scale investment fraud worth approximately ₹88 crore. The probe alleges that the couple, along with their associates, persuaded investors to put money into multiple investment schemes by promising assured fixed monthly returns. Investigators claim the promised returns were misleading and that the funds collected from investors were subsequently misappropriated. The agency further alleges that the proceeds of the fraud were routed through multiple bank accounts and demat accounts to conceal the money trail.

Arrest after return to India

Vishakha Rathod arrived in Pune on August 3, where she was taken into custody by a team of the Maharashtra Police. Authorities said further investigation into the case is underway. Her deportation follows efforts by Indian agencies to trace and repatriate both accused through international law enforcement cooperation.

Husband arrested earlier

The action against Vishakha Rathod comes weeks after her husband, Avinash Rathod, was brought back to India. On June 4, 2026, Interpol issued Red Corner Notices against both Avinash and Vishakha Rathod at the request of Indian authorities. Acting on the notice, law enforcement agencies in the UAE detained Avinash Rathod. Officials said he was deported to India on July 23, 2026. After landing at Mumbai International Airport, he was formally arrested by the Pune Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) before being taken to Pune. A local court subsequently remanded him to 10 days of police custody. Investigators believe Avinash Rathod was the key architect of the alleged investment fraud.

CBI highlights international cooperation

The CBI, which functions as India's National Central Bureau for Interpol, said it works closely with domestic law enforcement agencies through the Bharatpol platform while facilitating international cooperation via Interpol mechanisms to trace and secure wanted fugitives.

India steps up fugitive repatriation

The deportation is part of the Centre's broader effort to bring economic offenders and other wanted criminals back to face trial in India. According to the government, India has successfully secured the return of 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026 through coordinated diplomatic and law enforcement efforts.