New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough against organised crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the return of fugitive Sunil Kumar, a key member of the Aman Sahu gang, from Azerbaijan. Kumar, wanted by Jharkhand Police in multiple extortion cases, was brought back to India via INTERPOL channels on Friday.
Officials said a three-member team from Jharkhand Police travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan, on 19 August to secure Kumar’s custody. The team, accompanied by the accused, arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on 23 August.
Sunil Kumar, who used the alias Mayank Singh, was wanted in FIR No. 175/2022 registered at Patratu, Bhadaninagar Police Station, Jharkhand. He is accused of sending threatening WhatsApp messages to coal transporters, railway contractors, and businesspersons to extort money. Several other cases against him are registered across different states.
The fugitive is believed to be a close associate of gangster Aman Sahu, whose syndicate has been active in extortion rackets across Jharkhand and neighbouring states. The gang is accused of operating a well-organised criminal network targeting contractors and business operators.
The CBI, acting as India’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL, issued a Red Notice against Kumar on 10 October 2024 at Jharkhand Police’s request. With assistance from NCB-Baku, the agency tracked him in Azerbaijan, and an official extradition request was sent to Azerbaijani authorities on 7 January 2025 through diplomatic channels.
“CBI, as India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, coordinates with all law enforcement agencies in the country through BHARATPOL for assistance via INTERPOL channels. More than 100 wanted criminals have been returned to India in recent years through such coordination,” the agency said in a statement.
The CBI’s International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) worked closely with Azerbaijani authorities to execute the handover.
The operation is being seen as a major boost to Jharkhand Police’s crackdown on the Aman Sahu gang’s extortion network. Sunil Kumar will now face investigation and trial in India for his alleged involvement in multiple organised crime cases.
With inputs from IANS