The National Investigation Agency has apprehended a key wanted suspect linked to a major human trafficking syndicate connected to Sri Lanka. Following his extradition from Sri Lanka, the accused, identified as Pudumadam Imran, was taken into custody by federal agency operatives the moment his flight landed at the Bengaluru International Airport. He had managed to evade law enforcement authorities for a prolonged period while operating from overseas locations.
Interpol Red Notice Triggers Extradition
According to investigative officials, the detention of the fugitive was made possible through international police cooperation. Based on formal requests from the agency, Interpol had previously issued a Red Notice against the suspect, which facilitated his tracking and subsequent holding by foreign authorities. Upon being handed over to Indian officials by Sri Lankan counterparts, a specialized team took him into formal custody immediately upon arrival. Interrogation is currently underway to uncover the wider network and identify other local accomplices involved in the trafficking ring.
False Canada Promises and Hawala Channels
The agency's findings reveal that the suspect was actively engaged in a conspiracy to traffic Sri Lankan nationals by falsely promising them legal migration pathways to Canada. He exploited vulnerable families and relatives by extorting massive sums of money under the guise of arranging foreign employment and resettlement. Investigators uncovered that the illicit funds collected from victims were funneled back to domestic co-accused through clandestine hawala channels. This capital was reportedly utilized to finance the clandestine movement of people into India, facilitate their illegal transportation, and maintain clandestine safehouses where victims were held captive.
Mangaluru Police Raids Exposed the Ring
The sprawling human trafficking operation came to light following a targeted raid conducted by local law enforcement officers in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Acting on actionable intelligence regarding foreign nationals being harbored without valid travel documents, police descended upon multiple locations and successfully rescued several Sri Lankan citizens. The initial legal proceedings began with an FIR registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Foreigners Act, and Passports Act at the local police station.
Central Agency Takes Over the Probe
Recognizing the cross-border ramifications and gravity of the syndicate, the federal counter-terrorism agency formally took over the investigation. On July 13, 2021, a fresh case was registered under specific sections concerning criminal conspiracy, human trafficking, and cheating, alongside relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act and Passports Act. This consolidated the disparate leads into a comprehensive federal probe aimed at dismantling the entire human trafficking apparatus.
Previous Arrests in the Ongoing Case
Before the latest extradition and arrest, investigators had already captured two other prominent absconding suspects linked to the same network. The previously detained individuals include Seeni Abul Khan and Imran Khan, who were rounded up in separate operations. Seeni Abul Khan was apprehended in 2024, whereas Imran Khan was captured in 2025. Both individuals are currently facing ongoing trial proceedings before a special court situated in Bengaluru as the net closes tighter around the remaining conspirators.
