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In a striking cross-border custody dispute, the Supreme Court of India has issued a lookout circular for Victoria Basu, a Russian national accused of absconding with her five-year-old son amid a pending divorce case with her Indian husband, Saikat Basu.

The apex court, alarmed by the disappearance of the child, also directed the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry to coordinate with border agencies and seize the woman’s passport to prevent any further movement out of the country.

Supreme Court Demands Action

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed serious concern over the missing child, who had been in the mother’s care as per a custody agreement. “Trace the missing child without any loss of time,” the court instructed the Delhi Police, which has now been tasked with urgently locating the duo.

The court's ire was also directed at Ms Basu’s legal counsel, who claimed ignorance of her whereabouts. "You people know everything... you think you can play with us? We will take counsel also to task... You wait..." Justice Kant remarked sharply, indicating the court’s frustration at the perceived evasiveness.

According to submissions made by Mr Basu, his estranged wife was last seen on July 7, allegedly entering the Russian Embassy in New Delhi through a back entrance, accompanied by a diplomat and carrying luggage. He told the court that he fears she and the child may have fled India with help from embassy officials.

Spy Links Under Lens

He also alleged that Victoria Basu may be involved in a personal relationship with an official from the Russian Embassy. Though the court has not confirmed the identity of the official, it directed the Ministry of External Affairs to seek permission from the Russian authorities to search the diplomat’s residence in Delhi.

Adding another layer to the case, it was revealed that Victoria Basu’s father is reportedly a retired officer of the FSB, Russia’s federal intelligence service. This has triggered added scrutiny from the Indian authorities over possible diplomatic interference in a private custody matter.

The case is scheduled for its next hearing on Friday.

Victoria and Saikat Basu had met while working in China and married in India in 2017. Their divorce proceedings are currently underway in a family court in Delhi’s Saket.