Indonesia arrests Indian using cyanide to kill

Rajendra Nikalje, widely known as Chhota Rajan or Little Rajan, has been on Interpol’s wanted list since 1995 for running a crime syndicate that engaged in extortion, arms smuggling and contract killing. A fugitive from India wanted for a series of murders has been arrested in Bali, police said today.

Indian national Mohan Kumar, 56, arrived in Bali on a Garuda flight from Sydney that landed at 1:50 pm, but he didn’t have the chance to party in Kuta or relax over in Sanur like many of Bali’s visitors do, as he was reporteldy detained upon landing.

When the news of the arrested of gangster Chota Rajan in Indonesia first broke out, there was confusion over his identity with reports suggesting that the man arrested was serial killer Mohan Kumar alias “Cyanide” Mohan. “What we know is that this man was suspected to have carried out 15 to 20 murders in India”.

“We keep coordinating with immigration office, Indian police and consulates in Bali to decide further action”, said Nainggolan.

A spokesperson for Australian Federal Police said Interpol in Canberra had alerted Indonesian authorities, who apprehended Rajan at the request of Indian authorities.

Kumar has been found guilty by a Mangalore Court of having murdered 20 women by giving them cyanide after which he robbed them of jewelry. Nikalje admitted he had been living in Australia for years before his arrest and was traveling to Bali for a vacation, according to police.

Indian media have named him Cyanide Mohan because of his alleged choice of poison.

Denpasar Police chief detective Reinhard Habonaran Nainggolan said police were questioning Kumar and cooperating with Indian authorities.