Maharashtra Police has requested Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice (RCN) and arrest against Hussain Shattaf, a fugitive accused of using forged documents to flee the country after allegedly murdering Captain Manmohan Singh Virdi, a merchant navy officer, in Lonavala, Maharashtra. Virdi was killed in Lonavala on May 14 in 2006.
Official sources said following the Bombay High Court’s order, the police have written to India’s Interpol wing, managed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to expedite the RCN against Shattaf, who is also wanted for multiple cases across the State involving forgery and the use of fake documents. .
In an official communication addressed to Interpol, the Pune Superintendent of Police (SP) stated with subject, “Request regarding Provisional arrest of fugitive Hussain Mehboob Khokhawala alias Hussain Mohammed Shattaf. We are forwarding the Interpol reference with all the necessary details for further action. It is requested to communicate with UAE authorities for the next steps”. The authorities are hopeful that this move will facilitate Shattaf’s swift arrest and extradition to India.
Hussain who has been on the run since the crime was registered, is facing several other charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including forgery, criminal breach of trust, and the misuse of government documents like passports. Sources in Pune police confirmed that three additional FIRs have been filed against Shattaf in Mumbai and Pune.
Earlier, in a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of India had set aside the Bombay High Court order acquitting Hussain and his wife Waheeda Shataf in the murder case.
Pune police have already issued a proclamation against Hussain in connection with the Lonavala case, as confirmed by the Maval Court. A Lookout Circular (LOC) has also been issued by the Worli Police Station in forgery of passport case. FIR where Hussain is directly involved in the murder of Captain Virdi, whose family has urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry to work with the Indian Embassy in UAE government for Hussain extradition at the earliest.
“This latest development underscores the seriousness of the charges against Hussain Shattaf, and the involvement of Interpol marks a crucial step in the efforts to bring him to justice,” said a police official involved in investigations.
