CBI-Interpol Coordination Brings Back Fugitive Murder Convict from Cambodia; Highlights Global Push Against Transnational Crime
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi, September 3, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough against transnational crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in close coordination with Interpol and other national agencies, has secured the return of notorious fugitive Mainpal Dhilla alias Sonu Kumar from Cambodia on September 2, 2025.
Dhilla, also known as Mainpal Badli, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2013 for murder, attempt to murder, use of illegal firearms, and criminal conspiracy. He was serving his sentence in Hisar Central Jail before absconding in 2018 after being released on six weeks parole. Despite multiple convictions, he evaded Indian law for years by using a fraudulently obtained passport and fleeing abroad.
The CBI, acting as India’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol, played a pivotal role in tracing the fugitive. On November 6, 2024, a Red Notice was published against Dhilla on Haryana Police’s request. His travel movements from Thailand to Cambodia were later tracked through Interpol channels. Acting on CBI’s request, Cambodian authorities provisionally arrested him in July 2025. Following diplomatic and legal coordination through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Cambodian authorities handed him over to Haryana Police earlier this week.
The arrest and return of Dhilla underscore the critical role of Interpol’s global policing network in tackling criminals who attempt to exploit international borders to escape justice. Red Notices, circulated worldwide, ensure that fugitives cannot easily hide by changing locations or identities.
According to CBI, over 100 wanted criminals have been returned to India in recent years through similar cooperation with Interpol. Officials say this case exemplifies how strong international partnerships, real-time intelligence exchange, and coordinated law enforcement action are essential in addressing cross-border crime.
Legal experts and security analysts have praised the operation as a “textbook example” of how India’s investigative agencies and Interpol can combine their resources to bring fugitives to justice. The success also reinforces India’s commitment to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation through platforms such as BHARATPOL, which links domestic police with Interpol’s 195 member countries.
With Dhilla back in custody, Haryana Police will resume proceedings against him, even as authorities continue to tighten monitoring mechanisms to prevent parole misuse and track other high-profile fugitives abroad.
