VOI World/ Desk
The Central Bureau of Investigation has secured the deportation of Vishakha Rathod from the UAE in connection with an alleged ₹88-crore investment fraud, days after her husband Avinash Rathod was brought back to India in the same case.
Vishakha Rathod was deported to India on August 3 following coordination between the CBI, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and UAE authorities. She was taken into custody by Maharashtra Police after arriving in Pune and is expected to face further questioning and legal proceedings.
An Interpol Red Notice had been issued against Rathod at the request of Indian authorities. The CBI, which functions as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, coordinated with agencies in the UAE to trace and bring her back.
Investigators allege that Rathod, her husband and other associates induced investors to put money into multiple investment schemes by promising assured fixed monthly returns. The funds were allegedly diverted through several bank and demat accounts instead of being used for the stated investments. The alleged fraud is estimated at around ₹88 crore.
The development follows the return of Avinash Rathod from the UAE on July 23. He had been detained there after an Interpol Red Notice was issued against the couple on June 4. Following his arrival at Mumbai International Airport, Pune Police’s Economic Offences Wing arrested him and a Pune court subsequently granted 10 days of custodial remand. Investigators have described him as the alleged mastermind of the fraud.
The investigation is continuing in Maharashtra, with authorities examining the movement of the alleged fraud proceeds and the possible involvement of other associates.
