The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully secured the return of Vishakha Rathod, the wife of an alleged mastermind behind an Rs 88-crore fraud. This deportation follows the earlier return of her husband, marking a significant move in one of Maharashtra’s prominent criminal cases. Vishakha Rathod was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on August 3, 2026, and is now in the custody of the Maharashtra Police for further investigation.

Her arrival in Pune was facilitated by coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), responding to an Interpol Red Notice issued against her. This operation underscores the collaboration between Indian agencies and international law enforcement to address financial crimes.

Upon reaching Pune, Maharashtra Police took Vishakha Rathod into custody, where she faces significant legal challenges concerning her alleged involvement in the investment fraud that duped numerous investors.

Details of the Investment Fraud Case

The allegations against Vishakha Rathod suggest that she and her husband, Avinash Rathod, orchestrated a conspiracy to mislead investors into financial schemes promising guaranteed monthly returns. According to investigators, the returns offered were illusory, and substantial sums collected from investors were diverted through various bank and demat accounts, rather than being used for the intended purposes.

Reports indicate that the entire scheme resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 88 crore to investors, who were reportedly enticed by seemingly legitimate investment opportunities. Authorities believe that the Rathods, alongside their associates, engaged in systemic misappropriation of the funds before evading arrest and fleeing the country.

The CBI continues to emphasise that the fraud was not an isolated incident; it reportedly involved a network of individuals who conspired to exploit unsuspecting investors. Legal proceedings against Vishakha Rathod and her associates are expected to shed light on the full extent of the fraudulent activities.

Return of Avinash Rathod and Ongoing Investigations

Prior to Vishakha’s deportation, her husband Avinash Rathod was returned to India on July 23, 2026, following an Interpol Red Notice issued against him. Avinash was apprehended by UAE authorities and was subsequently escorted back to India, where he was arrested by the Pune Police’s Economic Offences Wing upon landing in Mumbai.

In court, Avinash Rathod was granted a ten-day custodial remand, enabling the police to conduct thorough inquiries into the financial framework of the alleged fraud, as well as the flow of investor funds. Investigators aim to uncover the complete financial network tied to the Rathods and their associates.

Both arrests are a part of a larger initiative by Indian law enforcement to clamp down on financial offenders who escape to foreign nations. The CBI has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with international counterparts through Interpol and various legal avenues to locate and return fugitives involved in economic crimes.

India’s Broader Efforts Against Economic Offenders

This case exemplifies India’s concerted efforts to address economic offences and ensure that criminals face justice, regardless of where they may attempt to hide. As reported in Parliament, India has successfully repatriated 274 fugitive criminals from 36 different countries between 2019 and July 2026, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing diplomatic and legal initiatives.

The CBI acts as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, thereby facilitating cooperation between Indian and international authorities. As the investigation progresses, the Rathods’ case will likely become a focal point in India’s drive to hold financial criminals accountable.

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