Underworld don Chota Rajan, one of India's most wanted criminals who has been on the run for nearly two decades, has been arrested in Bali by Indonesian police which acted on a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol.
The arrest was made on a tip off from Australian police that 55-year-old Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Mohan Kumar alias Chota Rajan, the powerful aide-turned-rival of terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, has flown from Sydney to Indonesia's popular tourist destination Bali, where he was arrested yesterday.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and CBI Director Anil Sinha confirmed the development.
"Once identification and verification is done, appropriate action will be taken," Singh told reporters here while thanking Interpol and the Indonesian authorities for their assistance in nabbing Rajan.
"At the request of CBI Interpol, India the Bali Police has arrested an Indian national Mohan Kumar yesterday.
"Mohan Kumar alias Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chota Rajan is a fugitive and CBI has been pursuing the matter with the Australian authorities," CBI Spokesperson Devpreet Singh said.
She said the arrest was a result of close cooperation between India, Australia and Indonesia.
"We thank Indonesia and Australia for their prompt action at our request.
Further action will be taken as required under the law," she said.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ram Shinde said the state would request the Centre to allow Rajan to be taken to Mumbai after he is deported to India. Rajan had been living in Australia under another identity and had reportedly been in discussions with Indian authorities.
Born in Mumbai, Rajan is wanted for multiple charges including murder and possession and use of illegal firearms.
In 2000, there was an attempt on his life when Dawood's men tracked him down to a hotel in Bangkok but he managed to escape through the hotel's roof.
