The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on the Delhi Police for its failure to track a missing Russian woman and her four-year-old son.
The woman, Victoria Basu, reportedly fled India with the child, sparking concerns over negligence and a lack of timely action.
A bench headed by Justice Surya Kant reprimanded Delhi Police and noted that the woman managed to escape due to their ‘gross negligence and failure’.
The Court highlighted that despite receiving a complaint from the child’s father, the police did not take appropriate steps to prevent her from fleeing.
Centre Ordered to Notify Embassy and Trace Mother and Child
The Supreme Court directed the Home Ministry to alert the Indian Embassy in Moscow and find ways to contact the father and child.
“This is not a regular custody battle between parents. The custody of the child was not legally assigned to either parent. The child was under the care of the Supreme Court,” Justice Surya Kant clarified.
The Court found Victoria Basu took a taxi to Bihar and entered Nepal on July 8, 2025. From there, she boarded a flight to Sharjah on July 12, indicating she spent nearly four days in Nepal.
“If Delhi Police had acted swiftly, they could have taken preventive measures to stop her from boarding the flight,” the bench remarked.
ASG Informs Court of Diplomatic Challenges
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench about the status of the investigation. She said that the case had reached a point where using diplomatic channels and political resources might be necessary.
She also stated that despite reaching out to international airlines through Interpol, the authorities were citing privacy concerns.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi responded, “Interpol provides a platform for intelligence sharing. You must leverage it fully.”
The Court warned that it would not spare local authorities and the DCP responsible for the oversight. “Their role in this lapse is evident,” said Justice Surya Kant.
The bench set the next hearing in 10 days and asked ASG Bhati to specify the needed orders.
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