India won the battle against terror when Salman Rehman Khan, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) linked terrorist, was brought in from Rwanda through extradition carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Accused of funding and supplying arms to the terror modules in Bengaluru, Khan was caught under cover from Rwanda following cooperation with the Global Operations Centre, CBI, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Interpol's office at Kigali.

Salman Rehman Khan is under probe for his suspected involvement in assisting Pakistan-based LeT. He is charged with conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, providing arms and ammunition, and being a member of a terrorist organization, according to officials.

The NIA registered a case against him in 2023 under the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act and several other related terrorism laws. According to the authorities, he has been involved in providing weapons and explosives to Bengaluru-based militant groups.

How was the case started?

The case began with the big arms haul at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, Bengaluru. Last year, during a raid, the police had seized seven pistols, four hand grenades, one magazine, 45 live rounds, and four walkie-talkies.

Investigations revealed these weapons were tied to a broader terror network working to spread radical ideology and further LeT’s operations in India.

When did the NIA take over?

The NIA assumed control of the investigation on October 25, 2023, after identifying Khan as a key operative responsible for transporting arms, ammunition, and funds to Bengaluru-based terror cells. A breakthrough came when Interpol issued a Red Notice against him on August 2, 2024, at the CBI’s request.

Following intelligence inputs, Khan was traced to Rwanda. NIA officers brought him back to India for prosecution.

Khan's extradition is the third successful operation by the CBI this month.

On November 14, Barkat Ali Khan wanted in a Mumbai rioting and explosives case, was extradited from Saudi Arabia. The CBI had secured a Red Notice against him in December 2022.

On November 10, another fugitive, Raihan Arabikkalalarikkal, accused of raping a minor in Kerala, was brought back from Saudi Arabia after a Red Notice issued in December 2023.

How many criminals CBI tracked down recently?

Since 2021, the CBI coordinated the extradition of 100 fugitives through Interpol, while 26 fugitives have been brought back in 2024.

Salman Rehman Khan's extradition has indicated the effectiveness of India's global collaborations towards combating terrorism. The authorities are of the view that such operations will deter those plotting against the country's security.