2005 Arms Seizure Case: Chhota Rajan Refused Bail

Police officers have identified Rajan's voice in an intercepted conversation and cautioned that given his history of absconding, he posed a flight risk if granted bail. THE PROSECUTION

- Revu Suresh

MUMBAI: A special court designated under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of gangster Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, alias Chhota Rajan, in connection with a 2005 case involving a major arms seizure at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

The court, in its order dated May 28, noted that the trial was nearing completion and the case was of a serious nature. "All important witnesses have been examined, and the trial is likely to conclude within a few months," said special judge A M Patil while denying the bail plea.