CBI – News Analysis India

Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member Arrested in US Deportation

News Analysis India — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In a significant victory for national security, Indian authorities have successfully apprehended Lakhvinder Kumar, a key figure allegedly linked to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Kumar was deported from the United States and arrived in India on October 25, 2025, where he was immediately taken into custody by a Haryana Police contingent at Delhi Airport. This operation is a testament to India’s commitment to pursuing international fugitives and highlights effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

Kumar faces multiple serious charges in Haryana, including extortion, intimidation, illegal firearm possession, and attempted murder. Following a request from the Haryana Police, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated the process by issuing an INTERPOL Red Notice against him in October 2024. This international alert proved crucial, enabling U.S. authorities to locate and deport Kumar, bringing him back to face justice in India. The CBI, acting as India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, utilized the BHARATPOL platform to facilitate seamless communication and coordination with U.S. counterparts throughout the extradition process. This successful operation adds to a growing list of over 130 criminals extradited to India in recent years, reinforcing the country’s stance against organized crime operating across borders.

Punjab DIG Harcharan Bhullar Arrested by CBI for Bribery

News Analysis India — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In a significant anti-corruption drive, Ropar Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Bhullar has been apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly accepting a bribe. The arrest occurred during a major operation conducted by the CBI across Punjab. Authorities had received a credible complaint, prompting an expanded investigation into Bhullar’s alleged corrupt practices. Searches were reportedly carried out at multiple locations associated with the DIG. Bhullar was caught red-handed while allegedly receiving ₹5 lakh from a complainant originating from Fatehgarh Sahib. The complainant detailed that the DIG had demanded a substantial sum to resolve a case and arranged to receive an initial payment at his Mohali office. Acting on this tip, the CBI swiftly executed a raid, leading to the immediate arrest of the senior police official. Investigations suggest a long-standing system for accepting bribes had been established. The CBI had reportedly been conducting surveillance for approximately ten days prior to the arrest, focusing on officials involved in such illegal activities. Residential properties belonging to Bhullar in Ropar and Chandigarh were also searched as part of the ongoing investigation.

CBI Reveals Death of Ashram Baba Accused of Confinement and Rape

News Analysis India — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The death of Virendra Dev Dixit, the accused of raping and abusing disciples at an ashram in Rohini, has been confirmed. A special CBI court was informed of Dixit’s passing. According to officials, the accused died in 2023. He had been at large for a considerable time. Action was initiated against him following an order from the Delhi High Court. The case dates back to 2017, and Virendra had been absconding since then. A reward of 5 lakh rupees was announced for his arrest. The Hyderabad unit received information about his death in January 2025, which has been recently confirmed. Virendra was 80 years old.

Following the confirmation of Virendra’s death, the CBI has requested the closure of the case. The CBI had issued a Look Out Circular and an Interpol Blue Notice against Virendra in 2018 and 2019. The CBI has now demanded the cancellation of the trials in these cases, where chargesheets had been filed in court. The court had also ordered investigations into the complaints of missing girls, sexual offenses, and a suicide.

CBI Raids 12 Locations in 3 Cities Over Homebuyer Fraud, Seizes Documents

News Analysis India — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting raids in multiple cities in connection with a case of fraud involving large builders and banks, affecting thousands of homebuyers. The raids are taking place in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The CBI has registered six cases related to large-scale fraud against homebuyers and has raided 12 locations across the three cities.

Delhi Court Deliberates on Charges in Land for Jobs Case Involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and Others

News Analysis India — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court has reserved its order on the charges related to the Land for Jobs case, which involves RJD Supremo and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and other individuals. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet alleging that jobs were given in the Railways in exchange for land. The court is scheduled to announce its decision on October 13. A senior counsel for Lalu Yadav argued that the case is politically motivated, asserting there is no evidence linking jobs to land transactions. Sale deeds were presented to show land purchases made with money. Arguments on behalf of Rabri Devi were concluded on August 28, with the defense maintaining that purchasing land with money is not a criminal act and that no undue favor was extended to any candidate. The Delhi High Court had previously rejected a plea from the RJD Chief to halt the trial court proceedings in this case, which alleges Yadav granted railway jobs in exchange for land parcels during his tenure from 2004 to 2009.

Land for Jobs Case: Lalu Yadav Demands CBI FIR Cancellation, Calls Investigation Illegal

News Analysis India — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A hearing took place in Delhi High Court on Monday, September 8th, concerning the alleged land-for-jobs scam involving Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. During the hearing, Lalu’s lawyer presented arguments in court and demanded the cancellation of the CBI FIR filed in the case. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Lalu Prasad, argued that the FIR was registered without the necessary approvals. Sibal asserted before Justice Ravinder Dudeja that permission under the PC Act was essential for registering the FIR, but it was not obtained. Sibal stated that the CBI registered the FIR without the mandatory approval under the PC (Prevention of Corruption) Act.

Sibal argued that the entire investigation is illegal. The investigation could not have begun without approval. He also mentioned that approval was required when Yadav was discharging his responsibilities as Railway Minister. He further stated that the demand is solely for the cancellation of the FIR. The investigation cannot proceed. Kapil Sibal, while explaining the accusations against Lalu Prasad to the court, mentioned that the allegation is that Lalu Prasad, while serving as Railway Minister, gave Group D jobs to candidates in exchange for land. The allegation also includes that he pressured railway officials to appoint candidates through fake certificates. This matter is connected to his tenure as Railway Minister. He now claims that he did not make any recommendations. This was done by the officers of Indian Railways. But did he put pressure on them? If so, why is he being prosecuted? They are unable to explain why they took permission for the officers, they claim they took great care. Cognizance will be taken later, the investigation must be done first.

Kapil Sibal further added that approval was needed because Lalu Yadav, as Railway Minister, was discharging official duties. He stated that they are challenging the lack of approval. They could not register the FIR. The investigation cannot start. They are only interested in getting the RC cancelled. Sibal said that registering an FIR and starting an investigation without approval is invalid. Lalu Yadav’s stance is that the CBI’s registered FIR has no solid basis and should be quashed.

After hearing Kapil Sibal’s arguments, the court said that the lack of approval would only affect offenses under the PC Act, not IPC cases. The next hearing in the case will be held on September 25th.

Haryana Gangster Mainpal Dhilla Apprehended After Extradition from Cambodia

News Analysis India — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mainpal Dhilla, a notorious criminal wanted by the Haryana Police, has been arrested following his extradition from Cambodia. The arrest was the result of a collaborative operation involving the CBI, state police, and various Union ministries. Dhilla, also known as Maipal Badli and a resident of Jhajjar’s Badli village, faces charges in 22 cases, including murder. He was serving a life term in three cases dating back to 2007 and 2010. Dhilla was released on parole from Hisar Central jail on July 17, 2018, but failed to return by the stipulated date of August 29, 2018, leading to his absconding. The CBI, acting on a request from the Haryana Police, secured a Red Notice for Dhilla through INTERPOL on November 6, 2024. Subsequent investigations, involving the NCB Bangkok, revealed his travel from Thailand to Cambodia. The CBI then coordinated with Cambodian authorities, who confirmed Dhilla’s presence in the country under a false identity using a fraudulently obtained passport. A provisional arrest request was submitted to NCB-Phnom Penh, Cambodia, via INTERPOL on March 26, 2025, which led to his arrest on July 24, 2025. The Cambodian authorities subsequently agreed to hand Dhilla over to Indian authorities. A team from the Haryana Police went to Cambodia and successfully brought back Mainpal Dhilla on September 2, 2025. INTERPOL’s Red Notices are globally circulated to law enforcement agencies to aid in the tracking of wanted criminals. The CBI, serving as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India, collaborates with all Indian Law Enforcement Agencies through BHARATPOL to facilitate assistance via INTERPOL channels. Over the past few years, this coordination has led to the return of more than 100 wanted criminals to India.

Former Jharkhand Minister Enos Ekka and Wife Sentenced to 7 Years in Land Scam

News Analysis India — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A CBI court has sentenced former Jharkhand Minister Enos Ekka and his wife, Menon Ekka, to seven years in prison in a 15-year-old case involving the illegal purchase of tribal land. The court found them guilty of violating the CNT Act and misusing their ministerial position. Enos Ekka was also fined ₹2.10 lakh, while his wife was fined ₹2.60 lakh. The case involved the purchase of tribal land using fake addresses. The court also sentenced other officials, including the then LRDC of Ranchi, Kartik Kumar Prabhat, to five years in prison. Several other accused received sentences ranging from four to five years. The charges stemmed from allegations that Enos Ekka, while a minister, illegally acquired tribal land worth over ₹1.18 crore using forged addresses and in collusion with other officials.

Mehul Choksi’s Bail Plea Rejected by Belgian Court

News Analysis India — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has been dealt a significant blow as the Belgian appeal court rejected his bail application. Choksi, wanted in connection with a fraud of approximately 63,000 crore rupees from Punjab National Bank (PNB), had filed a new bail plea on August 22. He also suggested house arrest as an alternative to detention. However, the court dismissed his arguments, stating that releasing him on bail would be too risky. This decision comes after the Belgian court had previously rejected his earlier bail application. The court agreed with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that Choksi could flee to another country if released, mirroring his previous actions. The CBI presented arguments to the Belgian prosecution, highlighting Choksi’s continuous attempts to evade legal processes across multiple jurisdictions to avoid arrest. Consequently, Indian agencies recommended against granting him bail. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April 2025 based on a CBI extradition request. A detailed hearing on Choksi’s extradition case is scheduled for mid-September in a Belgian court. The CBI is assisting the Belgian prosecution in preparing a strong legal foundation for his return to India. Mehul Choksi, 66, is the owner of Gitanjali Group. He is accused of defrauding 13,000 crore rupees from PNB’s Mumbai Brady House branch in collaboration with his nephew, Nirav Modi. This alleged scam involved fraudulent letters of undertaking and collusion with bank officials, described as one of India’s largest banking scandals. India is closely monitoring Choksi’s extradition, given his long history of evading Indian authorities. His past included fleeing to Antigua and subsequent attempts to avoid extradition through various legal maneuvers. The Belgian court’s decision provides some relief to India, indicating a potential easing of the path towards his extradition.

CBI Arrests Telecom Manager and Others for Illegal SIM Card Sales Used in Cybercrimes

News Analysis India — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended three individuals, including a Territorial Sales Manager from a telecom company, in connection with the unlawful sale of SIM cards. These SIM cards were subsequently employed in various cybercrimes. As part of ‘Operation Chakra,’ aimed at dismantling cybercrime infrastructure, the CBI conducted searches at five locations in the Cachar district of Assam. The investigation revealed the unauthorized sale of SIM cards across the country, which were utilized in digital arrest frauds, impersonation, fraudulent advertisements, investment scams, and UPI-related frauds. The Territorial Sales Manager in Silchar, Assam, allegedly colluded with middlemen, distributors, and Point of Sale (PoS) agents to issue unauthorized SIM cards without the knowledge of the registered users. These sales violated established guidelines and procedures. The illegally obtained SIM cards were sold in bulk to middlemen at inflated prices and were later used in cybercrimes. The searches resulted in the seizure of incriminating evidence, including mobile phones, electronic devices, and KYC document copies. The accused were presented before the local Magistrate Court, and a transit remand was obtained. They are scheduled to appear before the jurisdictional FIR Court.