Underworld don Chhota Rajan arrested in Indonesia after two decades on the run

Jakarta: Underworld don Chhota 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 on Sunday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and CBI Director Anil Sinha confirmed the development.

Rajnath Singh on Monday said it was a "major success" for the Indian government's efforts to nab him and thanked Indonesia for his capture in that country.

"It has been confirmed that Chhota Rajan has been arrested in Indonesia. The process of verification and other details are on," he said.

He said Indian had government had been trying to nab him for a long time and had made a request to Interpol in this regard. "We had issued a notice (through the Interpol)," he added.

The Home Minister thanked Indonesian government for the arrest, saying it was a "major success".

Asked when Rajan will be brought to India, Singh said the CBI and other agencies are in touch with the Indonesian authorities and things are being worked out. He, however, did not give any timeframe.

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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.

Indonesian authorities said on Monday they will deport Chhota Rajan shortly after arresting the alleged organised crime boss on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, known in India as "Chhota Rajan," was on the Interpol's most wanted list for two decades, said Bali police spokesman Heri Wiyanto.

Rajan told Indonesian police that he had been hiding in Australia for seven years and flew to Bali by a Garuda Indonesia flight for vacation.

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.