Most wanted gangster Chhota Rajan after his arrest in Bali, Indonesia on Sunday.
Chhota Rajan, the gangster arrested on Sunday after being hunted by the police in many countries for over two decades, had reached out to Indian officials after a recent attempt on his life, sources have said.
Rajan was arrested in the Indonesian resort island of Bali after he stepped off a flight from Sydney on Sunday morning. The Bali police had been tipped off by Australia about a passenger with an Indian passport using the alias "Mohan Kumar".
The 55-year-old crime boss who once escaped from under the nose of the Mumbai Police after an attack on him in Bangkok, was caught while traveling alone on a holiday.
Born Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, Rajan has been on Interpol's most wanted list for over 17 murders in India and cases of arms and drugs smuggling and extortion.
Over the years, Rajan's gang, once considered the second most powerful after that of Karachi-based underworld don and terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, has been considerably weakened, say the police.
Sources say the gangster, who has also been very unwell because of problems in his kidneys and lungs, had sent feelers to central agencies in India. Details of the plan to arrest him were, however, kept secret from the Mumbai Police, even though most of his cases are in the city.
As images of a smiling Rajan with an Indonesian policeman emerged, speculation swirled around whether his arrest was better described as surrender.
In Mumbai, Rajan's uncle YM Kharat, said: "Maybe he was arrested, maybe he surrendered."
Asked whether it was possible that the Indian government facilitated Rajan's return, Mr Kharat told NDTV: "I think so." He added that Rajan faced a constant threat from "rivals".
Rajan, once Dawood Ibrahim's number 2, became his main rival in the 1990s, especially after the 1993 Mumbai blasts allegedly executed by Dawood. Dawood Ibrahim's men have allegedly made multiple attempts on Rajan's life and most of
Rajan's men have been caught or killed over the years.
Sources say Rajan is expected to provide vital information on Dawood and bolster India's attempts to bring him to justice.