The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Pudumadam Imran, an accused who had been absconding in a Sri Lanka-linked human trafficking case, after he was repatriated to India by Sri Lankan authorities. He was taken into custody at Bengaluru International Airport on Friday, 13 November 2026, after being detained on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the NIA’s request.
According to the NIA, Imran allegedly took part in a conspiracy to traffic victims from Sri Lanka by promising their families that they would be sent to Canada with valid documents. The agency said he collected money from relatives of the victims and transferred funds through hawala channels to co-accused persons in India.
Case began with police raids in Mangaluru
The investigation originated with raids carried out by local police at premises in Mangaluru after they received information about Sri Lankan citizens who were allegedly staying without valid documents. The police registered Case Crime No. 103/2021 under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Foreigners’ Act and the Passport Act.
The NIA subsequently took over the case and re-registered it on 13 July 2021 as RC-17/2021/NIA/DLI. The case includes Sections 120B, 370 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 14 of the Foreigners’ Act and Section 12(1A) of the Passport Act. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
- Pudumadam Imran was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport after repatriation from Sri Lanka.
- The NIA said he collected money by promising travel to Canada with valid documents.
- The agency alleged that funds were sent through hawala channels to co-accused persons in India.
- The case was re-registered by the NIA on 13 July 2021 and is being tried before the Special Court for NIA Cases, Bengaluru.
Earlier arrests and trial proceedings
The NIA said two other accused who had been absconding were arrested earlier in the same case. Seeni Aabul Khan was arrested in 2024, while Imran Khan was arrested in 2025. Both are currently facing trial before the Special Court for Trial of NIA Cases, Bengaluru, according to the agency.
Imran’s arrest follows coordination involving Indian investigators, Interpol and Sri Lankan authorities. The use of a Red Notice enabled his detention outside India before his repatriation. A Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally detain a person pending extradition or other legal action; it is not, by itself, a conviction.
The allegations outlined by the NIA involve the recruitment and movement of foreign nationals, the use of purportedly false documentation and the transfer of money through hawala networks. The agency’s account places the alleged activity across Sri Lanka and India, while the case will now proceed against Imran before the competent court in Bengaluru.
