The present invention relates to a novel, cost-effective process for preparing the 2-halo-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzylhalide, of formula I. The process comprises of converting 3-Trifluoromethyl -2-methyl aniline of formula III into l-halo-2-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene of formula II using sodium nitrite in concent...