To begin the process of bringing back via deportation Mumbai’s mafia don Chhota Rajan alias ‘Nana’ after his arrest on Sunday by local authorities on his arrival from Sydney by flight, a CBI-led team from India is likely to reach Bali, Indonesia by Thursday.

“In such cases, it is the central government that will constitute a team of officials that may include those from CBI, the Mumbai police and central intelligence agencies,” said a CBI source. The agency’s team will leave for Bali in the “next two days”. He said, “Due to the sensitive nature of the diplomatic process and the fact that Rajan is a high-profile accused and faces threat to his life, the agency will disclose exact details when it is correct to do so.” He said, “Everything will be done as per law.”

Former IPS officer KP Raghuvanshi, who has retired as DG (Director General), Maharashtra police early this year and had twice headed the state’s Anti Terrorism Squad, said, “The way Rajan was nabbed indicates that there could have been some sort of arrangement with the central intelligence agencies to turn himself over. As a gang-leader, he seems to have weakened over the last few years and has not been keeping well, even as he faces threats from the Dawood gang.”

Raghuvanshi said, “It may be convenient for Rajan to stay inside a jail now.” Ask the central intelligence agencies how he got arrested? It is highly unlikely a man like Rajan will get trapped without the knowledge of central agencies.”

“As a gang lord, some might say that Rajan has lost some of his capabilities and is a spent force. But for over two decades, he has been controlling the activities of his gang and that of the Dawood gang earlier, before they split up after the March 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, so Rajan can of course provide critical information to lead a crackdown,” said Raghuvanshi.

Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju refused to confirm or deny anything. “You will get to know on your own later,” he said. “We are exploring all provisions of law and bilateral agreement between India and Indonesia,” said Rijiju.

By Premji