Dubai : Bannanje Raja Arrested Again - To be Deported by Nov 18
Dubai, Nov 10 : Dubai Police has arrested one of the most wanted underworld gangsters from India, accused in over 30 cases including murder and extortion, UAE's English daily Khaleej Times reported.
Major Salem Al Rumaithi, Director of Wanted Section at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said Rajendra Kumar alias Bannanje Raja had entered the UAE using a fake passport.
Al Rumaithi said the man was first arrested on October 11 in Dubai in the passport case, but released on bail paid by an Indian businessman based in the United Kingdom.
Dubai Police set a trap and rearrested the man after he was identified as the wanted Indian suspect. Police did not give the date of the second arrest.
The arrest warrant accuses the suspect of being the mastermind of a gang involved in blackmailing and running prostitution dens in Bangalore.
“After receiving the warrant, we arrested the suspect in one of the emirates and he was referred to the Dubai Public Prosecution,” Al Rumaithi said.
After his arrest, a delegation from India arrived, confirmed the suspect’s identity, and began extradition procedures. Investigations are continuing.
Al Rumaithi said the suspect entered the UAE as an accountant of a firm.
Media reports from Bangalore in India’s Karnataka State said that the police there had received information about the arrest of the suspect, believed to be operating from Gulf countries since he went into hiding about 11 years ago.
Reports said Raja, listed among the six most wanted criminals by Bangalore Police and against whom there is an Interpol alert, was nabbed while trying to flee to Malaysia on October 11. Two of his accomplices were arrested the previous day in Dubai.
Reports in India said he will be handed over to Indian authorities before November 18.