Chhota Rajan's process of deportation begins

Bali, Oct 30: The process for deportation of underworld don Chhota Rajan has begun even as India and Indonesia are to expedite the work on implementation of an extradition treaty.

India's Ambassador to Indonesia Gurjit Singh said an extradition treaty and a treaty for mutual legal assistance have already been concluded and letters for their implementation would be exchanged during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari beginning on Sunday.

Singh said the process relating to the two treaties is "coincidental" to the visit of the Vice President and not being hurried up.

The ambassador said the process of Rajan's deportation to India has begun but there is no deadline for it and termed as "speculative and hypothetical" reports that Rajan had surrendered to the Indonesian authorities.

The India-Indonesia extradition treaty was signed in 2011 but has not been implemented yet. Lawyer Fransico Prassar, who has been hired by Rajan, met him at the detention centre where he is lodged but he refused to make any comment on his client, one of India's most wanted criminals. "I have met him and discussed about the case.

Beyond that I have no comment to offer now," Prassar told reporters. In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Ministries of External Affairs and Home were working together to bring back Rajan from Indonesia "as early as possible".

The 55-year-old Rajan, whose original name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje, was questioned by the Indonesian police for six hours today about his identity and criminal acts in India.

Bali Police Commissioner Reinhard Nainggolan said Rajan has been allowed to communicate to the Indian mission in Bali besides allowing a meeting with a lawyer.

Rajan, who is wanted in over 75 heinous crimes ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking, was questioned both in English as well as in Hindi through a translator.

An Indonesian police spokesperson said that they have submitted a report to the Indian consulate in Bali as well as Interpol about Chhota Rajan's arrest and identity.

PTI