Fugitive Indian Gangster Ravi Pujari Arrested In South Africa; Deportation Process Underway

In a major development, 52-years-old wanted fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari was rearrested in South Africa early yesterday (22 February) after he had jumped bail and went missing in the nation of Senegal in January last year, reports the Times of India.

Pujari was arrested in a joint operation between the Senegal's authorities, India's premier intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Mangaluru Police. The arrest was made in a distant village in South Africa.

It should be noted that, Pujari, who started off as a Chhota Rajan aide, has over 200 offences of murder and extortion against him. Additionally, he was held in the cheating case by Senegal authorities last year.

SInce the arrest, the Government of India has begun the preparations to bring back to India the wanted gangster. He is expected to be brought back either today (23 February) or tomorrow morning. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be taken to Mumbai, Delhi or Mangalore.

The officials from Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Ministry of External Affairs are working in union with the authorities from Senegal for Pujari's deportation at the earliest. This is aimed at avoiding the case of an extradition which would be a prolonged process.