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India Extradites Fugitive Iqbal Singh from Portugal in Major Win

India has successfully extradited fugitive Iqbal Singh alias Shera from Portugal under a bilateral extradition agreement. He is accused of serious offences including drug trafficking and terror financing. The extradition was coordinated by multiple Indian agencies with Portuguese cooperation. A Patiala House Court has granted two-day transit remand to the NIA in a Hizbul Mujahideen-linked narco-terrorism case.

Key Points: India Extradites Fugitive Iqbal Singh from Portugal

  • Fugitive Iqbal Singh extradited from Portugal to India
  • Accused of drug trafficking and terror financing
  • Extradition under bilateral agreement and Interpol Red Notice
  • Coordinated by MEA, MHA, NIA, CBI
  • Granted two-day transit remand by Patiala House Court
2 min read

Centre brings back fugitive Iqbal Singh under bilateral extradition agreement between India, Portugal

India successfully extradites Iqbal Singh alias Shera from Portugal on drug trafficking and terror financing charges, marking a key step in bringing criminals to justice.

"The extradition of Iqbal Singh is an important step in the ongoing efforts of the Government of India to close down all avenues for criminal offenders - Embassy of India in Lisbon"

Lisbon, May 14

The Government of India has successfully extradited Iqbal Singh alias Shera from Portugal, the Embassy of India in Lisbon said on Wednesday.

Iqbal Singh is accused of several serious offences, including drug trafficking and terror financing. He would now be subject to trial before courts in India.

In a statement shared on X, the Embassy said that the extradition has been effected under the bilateral extradition agreement between India and Portugal, pursuant to the issuance of an Interpol Red notice.

It is further informed that the extradition was closely coordinated between the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) and the Embassy of India in Lisbon, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in Portugal.

"The extradition of Iqbal Singh is an important step in the ongoing efforts of the Government of India to close down all avenues for criminal offenders, and bring them before courts in India to face trial and justice. The Government of India thanks the Government of Portugal and its agencies for their co-operation and support in the successful extradition of Iqbal Singh to India", the Embassy said in its statement.

Meanwhile, the Patiala House Court on Wednesday granted two days transit remand of Iqbal Singh alias Shera to the NIA in the Hizbul Mujahideen-linked Narco Terrorism case. He has been extradited from Portugal. He had absconded in 2020.

A native of Amritsar in Punjab, Shera had masterminded the conspiracy involving the smuggling of narcotics from Pakistan into the border state, the agency stated.

He had coordinated and overseen the trafficking and distribution of the smuggled drugs, and channelised the proceeds through hawala networks to Pakistan and Kashmir-based operatives of HM to facilitate terror activities, NIA said in a press release.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Waah! Portugal ke saath yeh agreement kaam aaya. Lekin ek sawaal hai - yeh 2020 se bhag raha tha, aur 4 saal lage extradition mein? Kuch toh fast-track karna chahiye. Phir bhi, end mein justice hua, that's what matters.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international law, this is a textbook example of successful bilateral cooperation. The coordination between MEA, MHA, NIA, and CBI is commendable. However, I hope the trial is conducted transparently and quickly. India needs to show the world that our judicial system can handle such high-profile cases efficiently.
P
Priya S
This is so important for national security! Drugs from Pakistan funding terrorism in Kashmir - these networks need to be dismantled completely. But I also worry about due process. The accused has rights too. Let's hope the courts handle this fairly while ensuring he doesn't escape again.
J
James A
Impressive diplomatic work by India. Extradition treaties are often complex and slow, but this shows persistence pays off. The Interpol Red Notice system working effectively here. Good to see India and Portugal cooperating on security matters. Makes me wonder how many more such fugitives are still out there though...
A
Arjun K
Amritsar se hai yeh aur phir Pakistan ke saath narco-terrorism? Shame on such people who destroy their own homeland. Punjabiyat is about peace and prosperity, not drugs and violence. Good riddance - ab court mein sahi saza milegi. Hope this sends a strong message to other fugitives hiding abroad.

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