Gangster Chhota Rajan arrested in Bali, reports AFP.


Rajan (55), whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, is wanted over a series of murders in India. He has been on the run for over 20 years. Rajan has also been named in the chargesheet in the murder of veteran journalist J Dey, who was shot dead in 2011.


AFP reports that acting on a tip-off from the Australian police, Indonesian authorities detained Rajan on Sunday as he arrived in the popular resort island of Bali from Sydney, police spokesperson Heri Wiyanto told AFP.


The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts mastermind, gangster Dawood Ibrahim had made several attempts to kill Rajan, a one-time aide. The two fell out after the 1993 Mumbai blasts.


A spokesperson for Australian Federal Police told AFP that Interpol in Canberra had alerted Indonesian authorities "who apprehended Nikalje at the request of Indian authorities".


The police confirmed last month that Nikalje was living in Australia under another identity and had been in discussions with Indian authorities, the spokesperson said, but would not provide further details.