Decades-Long Hunt Ends: CBI Extradites Fugitive Manakandathil Thekkethi from Saudi Arabia

In a testament to unwavering persistence and international cooperation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully brought back Manakandathil Thekkethi, a man who evaded justice for nearly three decades. The notorious fugitive, wanted in connection with a chilling 1993 murder case in Kerala, was extradited from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, closing a significant chapter in a long-standing pursuit.

The saga began over thirty years ago with a brutal murder in Kerala, for which Manakandathil Thekkethi was a prime suspect.

Following the incident, he managed to flee the country in 1995, embarking on a life on the run that would span continents and defy multiple attempts at capture. For years, his whereabouts remained unknown, a ghost in the annals of Indian law enforcement.

However, the wheels of justice, though slow, grind exceedingly fine.

In 2007, acting on a persistent request from the CBI, the Interpol secretariat issued a Red Notice against Thekkethi. This international alert effectively flagged him as a globally wanted person, making his continued evasion significantly more challenging. The Red Notice served as a critical tool, ensuring that no stone was left unturned in the global hunt for the fugitive.

Years later, intelligence finally pinpointed Thekkethi's location to Saudi Arabia.

This breakthrough reignited the investigative efforts, leading to intense diplomatic and law enforcement coordination between Indian authorities and their Saudi counterparts. A dedicated team from the CBI, led by Deputy SP Anil Kumar, was dispatched to Saudi Arabia to meticulously oversee the extradition process, navigating complex legal and logistical challenges.

The culmination of these tireless efforts came on Tuesday when the CBI team successfully escorted Thekkethi back to Indian soil, landing in Kochi, Kerala.

His arrival marks a profound moment for the victims' families and for the principle of justice itself. He is now set to be produced before the appropriate trial court, where he will finally face the charges that have hung over him for nearly three decades.

This high-profile extradition underscores the CBI's relentless commitment to tracking down criminals, no matter how long they hide or how far they flee.

It also highlights the growing strength of international law enforcement partnerships, demonstrating that borders are no longer impenetrable sanctuaries for those attempting to escape accountability. The bringing back of Manakandathil Thekkethi sends a clear message: justice will eventually prevail.