The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured the deportation of Vishakha Rathod from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking another significant breakthrough in the alleged ₹88-crore investment fraud case that shook Maharashtra. Her return comes less than two weeks after Indian authorities brought back her husband and co-accused, Avinash Rathod, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the scam.
Vishakha Rathod, who was wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies and was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, was deported to India on August 3 following coordinated efforts involving the CBI, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and authorities in the UAE.
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She arrived in Pune, where a team from the Maharashtra Police took her into custody for further investigation. Officials said she will now face legal proceedings in connection with the financial fraud case.
According to investigators, Vishakha Rathod and her husband allegedly lured investors into multiple investment schemes by promising fixed monthly returns. Police claim the schemes were fraudulent and that funds collected from investors were diverted through various bank and demat accounts instead of being invested as promised.
The alleged fraud is estimated to be worth around ₹88 crore. Investigators believe the couple, along with several associates, misappropriated investor funds before fleeing India to avoid prosecution.
The CBI said Vishakha Rathod’s deportation was made possible through close cooperation with UAE authorities after India sought assistance through an Interpol Red Notice. The agency, which serves as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, coordinated with international law enforcement agencies, while the MEA and MHA handled the diplomatic and legal formalities required for her return.
Her husband, Avinash Rathod, was deported from the UAE on July 23 after being detained by local authorities. He was arrested by the Pune Police’s Economic Offences Wing immediately after landing at Mumbai International Airport and was later produced before a Pune court, which granted police custody to facilitate further questioning.
Investigators have been examining Avinash Rathod’s role in the alleged fraud, including the movement of investor funds and the financial network used in the operation. Vishakha Rathod’s return is expected to help investigators piece together additional details about the alleged conspiracy.
The case forms part of India’s broader campaign to bring back fugitives and economic offenders who have fled overseas. The CBI has been working closely with Interpol and foreign governments to trace and extradite individuals wanted in criminal cases through established legal and diplomatic channels.
Earlier this week, the Centre informed Parliament that India had successfully secured the return of 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries between 2019 and July 2026. Officials said the government remains committed to ensuring that those accused of serious financial and criminal offences are brought back to face the judicial process in India.
