Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Intelligence Agencies versus Organised Crime' that was published in Newsband

Intelligence Agencies versus Organised Crime

The arrest of Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, or Chhota Rajan, is a sensational news. Rajan’s arrest in Bali upon his arrival there from Australia, which had become his home for many years after his being in South East Asia and Africa, symbolises the global tentacles of the Mumbai underworld. His mentor-turned-archrival Dawood Ibrahim reportedly lives in Karachi, and both have financial interests spanning different continents.

Rajan is wanted for long in India for running an organised crime syndicate, conspiracy, murders and other serious criminal acts. He has been part of the criminal underground that challenged the Indian state for years, weakened its institutions and poisoned the body politic.

The question is whether Rajan will be used by the police and intelligence agencies to try and capture Dawood Ibrahim. It should be understood that in order to kill a serpent, we need to keep contact with some snakes. Morally it may not sound right to keep contacts with Chota Rajan but if he can be used to harm a bigger enemy, then why not? Such things are being routinely done by CIA/Mossad etc.

We need to do more bilateral agreement with countries for tackling and nabbing of most wanted criminals. Criminals all over the world enjoy their living in other countries as they know the lack of such agreements among countries will not do any harm to them.

Arrest of Chota Rajan alias Mohan Kumar, the name used by him on Indian passport in Indonesia is seen as a major breakthrough by Intelligence Agencies. Agencies are now waiting for his deportation and charging him for crimes he committed. He was involved in many cases related to extortion, murder and then using the money in real estate and betting. The fact that he had criticized his mentor Dawood Abrahim for Mumbai Serial Blast 1993 and thus became a hero for Hindus and then acted as agent of Intelligence agencies can be no ground to forgive him for crimes he committed. But his punishment can be minimized.

For a common Indian, if Rajan is portrayed as a 'Hindu don' who targeted individuals accordingly, then Dawood who collaborated with Pakistan's ISI and carried out a massive attack on India in 1993 killing hundreds and maiming thousands appears as a 'Muslim don'. But Rajan’s criminality pales into insignificance in front of Dawood’s. But the enormous power of Indian Intelligence Agencies makes up for Rajan’s weakness and this can prove dangerous for Dawood who might fall into the net of our Intelligence Agencies any time.

It is left to be seen now as to who will turn out to be the ultimate winner in the war between Organized Crime and Intelligence Agency which has been going on since ages.