In a joint operation with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Interpol, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully brought back Salman Rehman Khan, a member of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, from Rwanda. Khan was wanted for his involvement in terror-related activities in Bengaluru, officials said on Thursday.

Salman Rehman Khan had an Interpol Red Notice issued against him for aiding terrorist operations by supplying arms, ammunition, and explosives in Bengaluru. "The Global Operations Centre of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closely coordinated with the NIA and Interpol National Central Bureau - Kigali for the return to India from Rwanda of Salman Rehman Khan, wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences," stated a CBI spokesperson.

The NIA had registered a case in 2023 regarding a criminal conspiracy to spread terror in Bengaluru, supported by an FIR at Hebbal Police Station. The Red Notice against Khan was issued by Interpol on August 2, 2024, following a request from the NIA. The notice was circulated globally to assist in tracking the accused.

Khan was located in Rwanda, prompting the CBI to seek help from Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Kigali. He was returned to India on November 28, 2024, under the escort of an NIA security team.

This operation follows other recent successes in cooperation with Interpol. Two other wanted individuals were recently repatriated from Saudi Arabia. Barkat Ali Khan, wanted in a 2012 rioting and explosives case, was brought back on November 14. Similarly, Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, accused of sexual offences against a minor and wanted by Kerala Police, was extradited on November 10.

The CBI, serving as the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India, has intensified its coordination with law enforcement agencies worldwide. "Since 2021, as many as 100 wanted criminals, including 26 this year, have been returned to India through coordination via Interpol channels," the CBI noted in its statement.

This marked success highlights India’s growing ability to track and apprehend fugitives globally, particularly those involved in terrorism and other heinous crimes.