Not scared of rival gangs, says Chhota Rajan

Underworld don Chhota Rajan on Wednesday said he was not sacred of threats to his life from rival gangs, including that of Dawood Ibrahim, even as the Indonesia Police have provided him with special commando protection. 

“I am not scared,” he told reporters when asked if he was scared of threats to his life from rival gangs, including the one headed by Ibrahim. Arrested on arrival from Australia on Sunday, Rajan made the comments while being whisked away by police. 

Bali Police spokesman Hery Wiyanto said they were aware of the threats faced by Rajan and he has been placed with special commandos for protection. “We have all measures in place to ensure that the prisoner’s security is not compromised. Since he is a foreigner, we have heightened security for him,” he said. 

Wiyanto said 55-year-old Rajan, whose original name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje, seems to be doing fine and there is no particular behavioural problem with him. “If he is under pressure, he is not showing,” he said. 

Bali Police commissioner Reinhard Nainggolan said Rajan, once close confidant-turned-rival of Ibrahim, repeatedly pleaded before the interrogators to free him as he wanted to go to Zimbabwe. Nainggolan said Rajan was medically fit, thus, contradicting reports of him suffering from multiple ailments. 

Asked when he would be deported to India, where he is one of the most wanted criminals, Wiyanto said the Bali Police were waiting for a team of officials from India to interrogate Rajan first. “We are waiting (for the Indian team). We will coordinate with the Indian authorities to formulate on how to deport Chhota Rajan back to India,” he said. 

Nainggolan said arrest of Rajan was a serious law enforcement operation under the supervision of the Interpol.