From Delhi to Moscow via Bihar, Nepal and Dubai: How a Russian woman fled India with child, defying SC orders

A Russian woman who was part of a child custody dispute has fled India with her child despite clear orders from the Supreme Court, Delhi Police informed the top court. The woman, Viktoriia Basu, travelled from Delhi to Bihar and then to Nepal before flying out to the UAE and finally reaching Moscow. The Supreme Court described her actions as a “gross case of contempt of court” and is now considering steps to bring her back, a TOI report stated.

The case involves a matrimonial dispute between Viktoriia Basu, a Russian citizen, and her Indian husband. On May 22, the Supreme Court awarded joint custody of their child to both parents. As part of the court’s directions, the couple was living separately in Delhi.

However, the husband reported that Viktoriia and the child had been missing since July 7. He said that the last known sighting was on July 4, when she was seen entering the Russian Embassy in Delhi with a Russian diplomat. The man also alleged that she had a personal relationship with the diplomat.

How she left the country

On behalf of the Delhi Police and the ministries of external affairs and home affairs, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi that police tracked Viktoriia’s movement using IP addresses.

According to Bhati, Viktoriia left Delhi on July 8 and travelled to Bihar. On July 11, she crossed into Nepal. From Kathmandu, she boarded a flight to Sharjah, UAE, and then another flight to Russia, where she arrived on July 16. This means she had already reached Russia before the Supreme Court was officially informed about her disappearance on July 17.

Possible passport misuse under investigation

The bench noted that the child’s original passport was still deposited with the court. They raised concerns about how Viktoriia managed to leave the country. “Somebody has helped her in escaping India. This should be investigated,” the court said, adding that the passport she used was likely a duplicate issued either by embassy officials or Indian authorities.

Court action and next steps

The court made it clear that the woman’s act of fleeing with the child will not be tolerated. “It is not acceptable to us at any cost. It is a gross case of contempt of court. We will direct the issuance of a red corner notice,” said the bench.

The Ministry of External Affairs is currently working through diplomatic channels to facilitate her return. Meanwhile, the court has directed Delhi Police to conduct a detailed investigation and file a status report by July 29, the next hearing date.