NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has declared Siddharth Khera an absconder in connection with an alleged 400 crore rupee fraud involving Seagull Maritime Agencies Private Limited and directed the police to register a first information report against him. The order was passed by Judicial Magistrate First Class Deepakshi Rana on September 30 after Khera failed to appear before the court despite the completion of 30-day proceedings initiated under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The court instructed the station house officer of the concerned police station to formally register the case.
The development follows earlier clearances from the Supreme Court, which on September 18, 2025, permitted the investigating agency to pursue diplomatic channels to seek Khera’s deportation to India. The apex court also granted investigators permission to seek additional documentation and cooperation from other accused individuals. The allegations against Khera and his co-accused remain subject to trial and judicial scrutiny.
Probe into Diverted Business Operations
The Economic Offences Wing originally registered an FIR in January 2022 under sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy. Investigators allege that business operations and associated payments from Seagull Maritime were illicitly diverted to Azure International LLC as well as another associated firm.
Siddharth Khera worked as a business development manager at Seagull Maritime’s United States branch until June 2021. He is also alleged to have served as a director of Azure International LLC alongside his wife, Shruti Arora. In 2023, the Delhi High Court noted that both Khera and his wife were living in the United States, a factor that has continued to complicate domestic legal proceedings.
Family Members Face Judicial Action
Khera’s father, Ajay Khera, a former executive director of the Central Warehousing Corporation, is also named as an accused in the alleged financial diversion. He was arrested on September 22, 2022, and a chargesheet was submitted against him in December 2022 before the Delhi High Court granted him bail in April 2023.
Other relatives have faced related court actions. In February 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail pleas moved by Siddharth Khera’s mother, Charu Khera, and his brother. While these decisions marked an escalation in scrutiny, legal authorities noted that the orders do not determine guilt, which remains to be tested through judicial proceedings.
Ongoing Diplomatic and Extradition Efforts
The declaration of Khera as an absconder adds further legal weight to ongoing efforts by Indian law enforcement to secure his presence. However, the judicial order does not automatically guarantee his immediate custody or repatriation.
The investigating agency must continue utilizing international cooperation mechanisms and formal extradition channels to secure his return. Authorities are also tasked with assembling further evidentiary material and documentation relating to the alleged diversion of funds before trial proceedings can move forward.
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