Delhi Court Greenlights Extradition of Fugitive to Thailand in Wildlife Smuggling Case
A Delhi court has taken a decisive step in a high-profile international crime case. The court recommended the extradition of a fugitive criminal to Thailand. This individual will now face trial there for serious allegations.
Court Order Details and Legal Proceedings
On January 6, 2026, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House Courts issued a significant order. The magistrate, Pranav Joshi, allowed Thailand's extradition request against Murugesan Manivannan. The court observed that a prima facie case existed for his extradition.
The judicial authority based its decision on a thorough extradition inquiry report. After reviewing all materials on record, the court formally recommended that the Union of India extradite Manivannan to the Kingdom of Thailand. He must stand trial in Criminal Case No. 345/2555.
The court issued several specific directions to ensure proper procedure. Until the extradition formalities conclude, Manivannan will remain in judicial custody at the Tihar Jail complex. The jail superintendent received clear instructions. He must produce the fugitive before the concerned duty magistrate via video conferencing every fourteen days.
The court also mandated the distribution of the inquiry report. One copy will go to the Union of India through the Deputy Secretary (Extradition) at the Ministry of External Affairs. Another copy must be supplied to Murugesan Manivannan himself free of cost. With these directives, the court disposed of the extradition inquiry proceedings. The case file will be consigned to the record room after compliance.
Background of the Arrest and Criminal Charges
Murugesan Manivannan's legal troubles began years ago. The Madhya Pradesh Special Tiger Strike Force arrested him from Chennai on January 31, 2018. Authorities charged him with smuggling endangered red-crowned roofed turtles. These turtles were allegedly taken from Morena district and funneled into the international black market.
His attempts to secure release have consistently failed. Several courts, including the Supreme Court of India, rejected his bail pleas. The Supreme Court even sought confirmation during one hearing. They asked the MP special task force for wildlife to verify if Thai police wanted Manivannan.
The task force provided a letter from Thailand. This document confirmed an open case against him in that country. It also stated that Thai authorities had initiated the extradition process. Thailand's airport police had previously issued an international arrest warrant for Murugesan.
A Landmark Case in Environmental Crime Enforcement
Officials highlight the unprecedented nature of this case. They state this is the first instance where an individual accused of an environment crime faces extradition. The Thai government formally sought his extradition in January 2021.
The investigation reveals a broader criminal network. The MP Special Tiger Strike Force also approached the Enforcement Directorate headquarters in Mumbai. They are pursuing a money-laundering case against Manivannan and three other suspects. These individuals include Ajay Singh, arrested from Agra, and Kolkata residents Mohammad Irfan and Sameem Ansari.
International cooperation has been crucial. Interpol organized a coordination meeting in July 2020. This meeting brought together the MPSTF and officers from Thailand and Dhaka. They focused on combating the illegal poaching of turtles, underscoring the global scale of the crime.
The court's order now sets the stage for a significant international legal transfer. It underscores growing collaboration between nations in tackling transnational wildlife and financial crimes.
