Delhi Court Uncovers New Details in Russian-Indian Custody Dispute
A Delhi court has received crucial information revealing that Russian national Viktoriia Basu and her minor child entered Nepal through the Birgunj land border in July 2025, not directly to Russia as previously claimed. This development emerges amid an intense custody battle with her estranged Indian husband, Saikat Basu, raising significant questions about her alleged escape despite a Supreme Court shared custody order.
Investigation Reveals Immigration Discrepancies
The revelation came in a status report filed on February 28 before Judicial Magistrate First Class Seema Nirmal by the investigating officer. The officer highlighted discrepancies in immigration records while tracing Viktoriia's movements after she allegedly fled India last year. The court examined communications sent to authorities in Nepal and Russia seeking travel details of Basu and her child.
According to police, "The Nepal authorities provided certain immigration and travel details. As per their report, Viktoriia Basu and the minor child entered Nepal on July 11, 2025, at Birgunj, and their port of arrival has been shown as Russia. However, Birgunj is a land port adjacent to the Indian border."
Contradictory Claims and Investigation Findings
The investigating officer noted that contrary to claims that the two had reached Russia directly, the investigation indicated they entered Nepal in July "with the assistance of co-accused Samir Ansari through the jungle route." Police further informed the court that, as per the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, no travel details of Viktoriia Basu have been recorded after 2023, and none for the child since birth in 2020.
A fresh letter has been sent to Nepal seeking clarification, while Russian authorities have responded that the two are "not traceable." This information directly challenges earlier narratives about their whereabouts and travel patterns.
Background of the Custody Battle
Viktoriia arrived in India in 2019 after marrying Saikat Basu. However, in 2023, following the breakdown of their relationship, she sought full custody of their child. In May 2025, the Supreme Court ordered shared custody, extended her visa, and directed police vigilance at her residence.
On July 7, Saikat Basu informed the court she had disappeared with the child, triggering a search and Ministry of External Affairs intervention. Police later alleged "clear evidence" that two Russian embassy officials facilitated her travel to the Indo-Nepal border, an allegation firmly denied by the embassy.
Court Criticism and Legal Proceedings
The court had earlier made scathing remarks against Delhi Police, observing that had authorities acted promptly on Saikat Basu's complaints, she may not have fled Delhi. During the investigation, non-bailable warrants were obtained against Viktoriia for March 10, 2026, and forwarded to the Union Home Ministry for execution, though no report on their execution has been received.
The investigating officer has sought additional time to file a supplementary chargesheet. The matter is currently listed for hearing on April 25, with all parties awaiting further developments in this complex international custody case.
This case highlights the intricate challenges of cross-border custody disputes and the importance of accurate immigration tracking in legal proceedings involving foreign nationals and minor children.
