Google Narendra Modi top 10 criminals
Google sorry for Indian PM Narendra Modi's image appearing more than once in 'top 10 criminals' search results.

Internet giant Google has apologised to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his picture appeared more than once under search results for the "top 10 criminals".

Other famous names in the search results, included George W. Bush, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, famous Indian mafia leader and 1993 Mumbai bombings mastermind Dawood Ibrahim and Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt.

These results trouble us and are not reflective of the opinions of Google. We're continually working to improve our algorithms to prevent unexpected results like this.
- Spokesperson, Google

Modi's image, however, appeared more than any of the other known faces.

A Google spokesperson tried to make sense of the results in a statement on Wednesday (3 June), reported BBC News: "These results trouble us and are not reflective of the opinions of Google. Sometimes, the way images are described on the internet can yield surprising results to specific queries.

"We're continually working to improve our algorithms to prevent unexpected results like this.

"We apologise for any confusion or misunderstanding this has caused."

Social media users weighed in with their thoughts with some wondering if the search engine will now be banned in India.

Earlier, an Egyptian repairman became a celebrity overnight after he ranked on top of Google Egypt search results for "Google" due to an algorithm issue.