Karna authorities optimistic of getting alleged gangster

As a local court in Senegal reportedly began hearing the case about the extradition of alleged gangster Ravi Pujari Wednesday, authorities in Karnataka said they were optimistic over getting him back, as they have furnished 'solid evidence' against him. "Legal procedure has begun there. We are quite optimistic about getting him back. The cooperation we got from the Senegal authorities was quite encouraging," said a top official in the State criminal investigation department.

The officer, who wished not to be named, underlined the fact that without the cooperation from the Senegal authorities, the gangster would not have been caught. He said India would continue to get "exemplary" cooperation from Senegal.

"It will not be an exaggeration if I say that their conduct so far has been very positive. It will be good in future also," he added. He, however, was not sure when the extradition would finally happen.

"We cannot say how much time it may take (to get him back). We cannot say anything definite in the legal process about how much time it may take. It depends on the judicial appreciation of evidence. We have furnished solid evidence," the officer added.

The extradition would also depend on the provisions for appeal and how the accused applies for it. Pujari, wanted in many cases including extortion and murder, was caught in West African nation Senegal in January based on the information given by the Karnataka police.

The State government claimed that after H D Kumaraswamy took over as chief minister, he directed police to pursue the matter seriously and ensure Pujari's arrest as he had been operating through his henchmen in various parts of the country, especially in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. The Indian authorities got in touch with their counterparts in Senegal and ensured his arrest from a barber shop in January.

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