In a major development against criminals fleeing overseas to evade justice, Indian law enforcement agencies secured the custody of fugitive offender Sajeer Palli Mooppam, who was brought back to India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on November 4, 2026. The accused was on the run in connection with an aggravated sexual assault case registered by the Delhi Police, and his extradition was coordinated through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alongside Interpol channels.
The Criminal Case and Fraudulent Hotel Booking
The origins of the legal action trace back to an incident where Sajeer Palli Mooppam, along with an accomplice, allegedly targeted a 20-year-old woman. According to the case details, the suspects administered an intoxicating substance to render the victim unconscious before subjecting her to non-consensual sexual assault.
To carry out the crime, the perpetrators booked a room at a hotel after the victim was incapacitated, deliberately using the identification documents of an unrelated individual to mask their presence. Subsequent medical examinations and forensic screenings yielded substantial physical evidence confirming the assault. While Delhi Police concluded their probe and filed a formal chargesheet before the court, Mooppam fled abroad to avoid standing trial, successfully hiding in the gulf region for an extended period.
Interpol Red Corner Notice and Custodial Transfer
Recognizing that the accused had moved beyond national borders, the Delhi Police initiated a formal request urging the CBI to engage international enforcement mechanisms. The CBI facilitated the issuance of an Interpol Red Corner Notice against Sajeer Palli Mooppam, signaling international police entities that the suspect was actively sought for trial in India.
Acting on this global warrant, authorities in the UAE traced and apprehended Mooppam. Following the completion of all requisite judicial and diplomatic formalities between the two jurisdictions, a designated Delhi Police team travelled to the UAE. The officers took Mooppam into lawful custody and returned with him to Delhi on November 4 to face criminal prosecution in court.
Over 278 Fugitives Extradited Under Joint Operations
This cross-border extradition reflects a sustained institutional push by Indian investigators to bring offenders back into domestic jurisdiction. Records maintained by the Central Bureau of Investigation indicate that since 2019, operational collaboration with Interpol and partner foreign law enforcement agencies has enabled the return of more than 278 fugitives to India. The coordinated operation underscores the growing reach of bilateral legal frameworks against individuals attempting to seek sanctuary on foreign soil following heinous offenses.
