The Supreme Court on Monday directed a “deeper probe” into the alleged conspiracy surrounding the disappearance of Russian national Viktoria Basu and her minor child, after Delhi Police for the first time acknowledged the involvement of a senior Russian diplomat in facilitating her escape from India in violation of court orders.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi came down heavily on Delhi Police, criticising its failure to question embassy officials despite clear indications of their role.
“There is brazen violation of this court’s order and it has happened due to active collusion and connivance of persons named in the Delhi Police report. It includes certain officials of the Russian Embassy,” the bench observed.
The court reminded authorities that “the child has been snatched from the custody of the Supreme Court of India” and expressed alarm that the dignity and authority of the institution were being undermined.
According to the status report, Arthur Gerbst, counsellor head at the Russian Embassy in Delhi, instructed an Indian businessman, Vivan Sehgal, to arrange a taxi for Basu in July. Sehgal, who has been associated with Russian firms for 15 years, told police he booked taxis to Uttar Pradesh and later Bihar through KTC (India) Ltd. He further disclosed that Gerbst paid him ₹75,000 in cash to hand over to the driver.
Investigations revealed that Basu left Delhi by taxi, crossed into Nepal on July 12, flew to Sharjah, and eventually reached Russia, where she is believed to be staying.
In a sealed cover, Basu’s estranged Indian husband submitted additional documents alleging that Russian diplomats not only facilitated but financed her escape, including purchasing air tickets through a Hong Kong-based agency.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, informed the bench that both the Delhi Police and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) were making efforts to locate Basu and her child. Acting on the court’s earlier order, the MEA has already sent a request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to Russian authorities seeking confirmation of their whereabouts and urging a probe into Gerbst’s role.
However, the court noted that direct directions to foreign officials could not be issued, and such matters must be pursued through “established diplomatic routes.”
Delhi Police said it was in the process of securing a blue corner notice against Basu. The court flagged concerns that while the child’s Indian passport remains in its custody, his exit from India could only have been possible with a new or forged passport.
The bench has adjourned the matter for 10 days, directing fresh status reports from both the MEA and the Delhi Police.
Basu, who came to India in 2019, had sought full custody of her son in 2023 after her marriage broke down. In May 2025, the Supreme Court ordered shared custody, allowing each parent equal time with the child, and extended her visa. Police were also directed to maintain vigil at her residence.
