Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 18: In a dramatic turn in the case of a missing Russian woman and her four-year-old son, the Central government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that Victoria Basu, who allegedly absconded with the child amid an ongoing divorce and custody battle, has not exited the country through legal channels.

Representing the Centre and Delhi Police, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the apex court that both 'look out' and 'hue and cry' notices have been issued nationwide, urging police across states to trace the woman. "The Russian embassy is fully cooperating with Indian authorities," Bhati added, revealing that the missing woman’s father is a retired officer of the Russian intelligence agency, FSB.

According to ASG Bhati, Victoria Basu had approached the Russian embassy on July 5, alleging mistreatment by her husband, Saikat Basu. The embassy, however, had directed her to report the matter to the local police. Later, on July 10, her mother also approached the embassy claiming her daughter was missing and was given similar advice.

Saikat Basu, who met Victoria in China and married her in India in 2017, claimed his estranged wife was last seen entering the Russian embassy’s premises through a back gate earlier this month, allegedly accompanied by an embassy official. He told the court that the last time he saw his son was on May 22, as per a shared custody agreement allowing the child to spend three days a week with each parent.

Taking serious note of the matter, a Supreme Court bench led by Justice Surya Kant directed the authorities to probe all possible exit routes including railways and public transport. Police have also been asked to scan CCTV footage from all entry and exit points in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

“They need to act very quickly,” Justice Kant remarked, expressing concern for the child’s safety and the suspicious circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

The matter will be heard again on Monday, July 21.