Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 30: Underworld criminal and well-known sharp shooter, Rashid Malbari (47), who had given a slip to the security agencies after getting released from prison on bail four years back, has reportedly been arrested in Abu Dhabi. However, authorities are yet to confirm the correctness of this report.

Rashid Malbari, who has evaded appearance in courts, was hiding somewhere away from India till now, it is gathered.

Reliable sources said that Malbari, who was in possession of Bangladeshi passport, was taken into custody from Abu Dhabi a few weeks ago.

File photo

Malbari, who was facing a number of charges including murder attempt, had been lodged in a prison in the city. On July 21, 2014, he was granted bail. On July 26 that year, he was to appear in a court at Mangaluru but he failed to appear there. As it became clear thereafter that he had escaped, the court had issued arrest warrant but he remained elusive. Mangaluru police had thereafter taken measures to issue red corner and lookout notices for him.

There were rumours that Malbari, after having been released on bail from the prison, had married a divorced woman from Padu Kaup in Udupi district and fled the country with her. A theory was also set floating that he had procured fake passport when in prison, and by using it, left the country by sea route after release from the prison.

City police commissioner, T R Suresh, said that he too has unconfirmed information about Malbari's arrest, and as lookout and red corner notices were issued, his department has to get confirmation from Interpol. He added that his department is putting in efforts to check the veracity of the said information.