AMN /
Underworld don Chhota Rajan is likely to be deported to India tonight after Indonesian police gave its nod, clearing the decks for his return home after more than two decades. An Indian Police team, which arrived in Bali on Sunday, completed all formalities for taking custody of Rajan and flying him to India, where he is one of the most wanted criminals.
Rajan will be taken in a special aircraft, which has been brought here from India. However, the travel may get delayed as a volcanic eruption affected flight operations in Bali. The volcanic eruption at Mount Rinjani near this popular tourist island has led to several flights being cancelled.
Rajan, who was arrested in this popular tourist town on his arrival from Australia on October 25, is wanted in over 75 heinous crimes ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking.
Rajan, whose original name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje, was arrested in Bali on the basis of a Red Corner Notice from Interpol and following a tip off by Australian authorities to the police in Indonesia. In the absence of an extradition treaty, the Indian authorities have already provided documents to their Indonesian counterparts about his Indian identity to facilitate his deportation.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police Commissioner Ahmad Javed today said the city police will eventually get the custody of fugitive gangster Chhota Rajan once he is deported back to India. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai today, Mr. Javed said CBI is the nodal co-ordinating agency in terms of getting back a criminal to the country adding that CBI will hand over Rajan to Mumbai Police in view of all the cases pending against him in the city.
Ahmad Javed clarified that there is no need to stake claim to Rajan’s custody as there is a legal framework involved in the whole process of deportation and investigation. He said that Mumbai Police is following all due procedures necessary to get Rajan’s custody.
The commissioner also informed that Mumbai Police is looking at 2-3 places from a security point of view where Rajan can be lodged during his custody. He assured that all security arrangements are in place for Rajan to be brought to the metropolis. Mr. Javed said the Crime Branch of Mumbai Police is currently sequencing more than 70 cases that are pending against Rajan.
When asked about Rajan’s allegation that some Mumbai Police officials have links with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim; the Mumbai Police Commissioner said he does not want to respond to an allegation made by a gangster.