Chhota Rajan nabbed in Bali

New Delhi: Underworld don Chhota Rajan, one of India’s most wanted criminals who turned against his one-time boss Dawood Ibrahim,was arrested in Indonesia on Sunday.

Based on a tip-off by the Australian Federal Police, 55-year-old Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje aka Chhota Rajan was arrested by the Indonesian Police as he flew into Bali, the popular resort island, on Sunday from Sydney. The Interpol had also issued a Red Corner Notice against Rajan.

Sources here said Rajan told the Indonesian Police that he came to Bali as he wanted to go to another country where there is less scrutiny.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that Rajan has been arrested in Indonesia and said the process of verification and other details are on.

“At the request of the CBI and Interpol, the Bali Police have arrested an Indian national Mohan Kumar yesterday (Sunday). Mohan Kumar alias Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chota Rajan is a fugitive and the CBI has been pursuing the matter with the Australian authorities,” said a CBI



spokesperson.

“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,” the spokesperson added.

The Indonesian Police said that Rajan was travelling on a passport bearing number G9273860 in Garuda Indonesia flight G-A715. The Australians had informed their Indonesian counterparts that Rajan will be there for 15 days.

“We arrested the man at the airport yesterday (Sunday). What we know is that this man was suspected to have carried out 15 to 20 murders in India. Bali Police were coordinating with Interpol and Indian authorities,” Bali Police spokesperson Heri Wiyanto was quoted by AFP as saying.

He was secured at the office of the immigration and later handed over to the Bali Police for further proceedings. He will be deported to India within a week, . An arrest warrant was issued against Rajan on October 12, 1994, and an Interpol Red Notice (A-360 / 7-1995) was issued on July 9, 1995.