Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Russian national Viktoriia Basu after flight with child

Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against Russian national Viktoriia Basu after she allegedly fled India with her minor son in violation of a Supreme Court joint custody order.

Delhi Police submitted an Action Taken Report before Judicial Magistrate First Class Deepakshi Rana at the Saket District Court, confirming that international tracking has been activated. Police told the court that a formal extradition request has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs to be processed through the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

Custody battle and Supreme Court ruling

Viktoriia Basu married Indian citizen Saikat Basu in 2017, and their son was born on 29 October 2020. Following the breakdown of the marriage, she approached the court in 2023 seeking exclusive custody of the child.

In May 2025, after attempts at reconciliation failed, the Supreme Court approved a shared-custody arrangement allowing each parent three days a week with the child. The apex court also extended Viktoriia's visa and directed Delhi Police to keep her residence under watch. However, on 7 July 2025, Saikat Basu informed the court that his wife and son had gone missing, prompting an FIR at Defence Colony police station.

Investigation into the escape route

Investigating officers have uncovered details surrounding the escape. Police suspect Basu was driven towards the India-Nepal border in Bihar before crossing into Nepal through a jungle route with the help of a co-accused, Samir Ansari. Travel records from Nepal indicating entry through Birgunj on 11 July 2025 contained discrepancies, leading investigators to conclude the pair subsequently travelled to Russia via Sharjah.

Police evidence submitted to court alleges that two Russian embassy officials, Albert Shtoda and Arthur Gerbst, helped arrange the vehicle that transported Basu on 7 July 2025. Investigators have also approached production house Yash Raj Films seeking details about another co-accused, identified as Natasha, who is suspected of aiding the flight.

While Russian authorities previously informed Indian investigators that the mother and child were not traceable, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi stated in November last year that it remains in close contact with Indian authorities in full compliance with Indian legislation. Delhi Police have requested additional time from the court as scrutiny of documents and extradition procedures continue.