Bannanje detained in Morocco

Underworld don Rajendra Kumar alias Bannanje Raja alias RK, wanted in more than 25 criminal cases by Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi and Uttara Kannada police, among others, has been reportedly detained in Morocco in a fake passport case.

According to sources, he will be deported to Dubai, where he has been staying for many years and running a hotel business.

However, according to a police officer, 43-year-old Raja will be kept under detention of Moroccan authorities for a brief period till the Indian authorities provide proof of his identity, nationality and his involvement in cases.

If the Moroccan government is convinced with the evidence provided, it may hand him over to Indian authorities. “We have initiated the extradition process,” a senior CBI official said.

Bannanje Raja was involved in several criminal activities in the State, including the murder of businessman R N Nayak at Ankola in Uttara Kannada district on December 21, 2013, and builder Subba Rao murder at K S Rao Road in Mangaluru on July 30, 2007.

The Mangaluru and Bengaluru Police have issued several red alert notices against Raja, through the CID, the nodal agency of the Interpol wing of the CBI.

Raja was arrested by the Interpol sleuths at Abu Dhabi airport on October 11, 2009, in another fake passport case.