CBI files first charge sheet against Chhota Rajan, three others

NEW DELHI: CBI has filed its first charge sheet against gangster Chhota Rajan and three former officials of Passport Office, Bengaluru for allegedly issuing a fake travel document to him which he used to escape to Australia.

CBI Press Information Officer R K Gaur confirmed that the charge sheet has been filed in the Special Court, Patiala House, which has also taken cognisance of it.

They said Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan and three passport officials-- Jay Shree Rahate, Deepak Natvarlal Shah and Lalitha Layamon's--who were posted at Bengaluru passport office and are now retired, have been made accused in the charge sheet.

CBI sources said the agency has charged them with criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and under Provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act in the charge sheet.

CBI had registered a case against Rajan and unknown public servants alleging he got prepared an Indian Passport No G9273860 in the fake name of Mohan Kumar, residing at 107/B, Old MC Road, Azad Nagar, Mandya (Karnataka).

"He allegedly reached Australia on September 22, 2003 on the strength of the said passport and tourist visa and fraudulently obtained several different visas since then and continued to stay there till October 25, 2015," Gaur said.

Rajan was detained by Indonesian Police at Bali on October 25, last year on his arrival from Australia following a Red Corner Notice by the Interpol. He was later deported to India on November 6, 2015.