Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Oct 3: One of the most notorious criminals, who has been on the run after securing bail four years back, is said to have been lodged in a prison in Abu Dhabi since the last three months. Some sources blame lethargy on the part of the state police in getting custody of the fugitive on the run, who is required in several cases in the state and elsewhere. Questions have been raised about the reason behind lack of drive among the police force of the state to take custody of one of the most wanted criminal, Rashid Malbari, who is an accused in several cases.
Malbari from near Kaup, who was a trusted lieutenant of Dawood Ibrahim, was arrested during March 2009 for securing bail in a case and then going missing. It was found that he had gone to Bangladesh and had planned to become permanent resident of Abu Dhabi. He was arrested by Abu Dhabi police after getting information that he was getting fake visa done. The Bangladeshi passport he was found to be in possession of was also found to be fake.
Sources claim that the police are aware about the current whereabouts of Rashid Malbari but they have not shown the willpower to put through the paper work needed to get him deported to India. Malbari, reports claim, had been arrested during the last week of June this year along with his accomplice, who is from near Bantwal. It is also said that it is easier for India, which has excellent relationship with Abu Dhabi, to get criminals deported from there if the officials evince enough interest and provide proof about his identity and illegal activities here.
Malbari, an associate of Dawood Ibrahim, is wanted in many cases including several in Karnataka in general and Mangaluru in particular. After he went out of the jail on bail and failed to appear for further court hearings without a trace, the police had issued lookout and red corner notices. The police are said to be aware about Malbari's detention in Abu Dhabi but they are awaiting official confirmation from intelligence authorities before they can initiate legal steps to bring him back and bring him to book.