British High Commission confirms gangster Nilesh Ghaywal’s presence in London; Pune police seek deportation

NEW DELHI: The British High Commission in India has confirmed that fugitive gangster Nilesh Ghaywal, wanted in multiple cases, including murder and extortion, is currently in London on a visitor visa. As per news agency PTI, the commission has also informed UK authorities that his passport has been revoked by Indian agencies, officials said on Wednesday.Deputy commissioner of police Sambhaji Kadam said the confirmation came after Pune Police wrote to the British High Commission seeking details about Ghaywal’s whereabouts and requesting his detention and deportation.“The High Commission has verified that Ghaywal is in London to visit his son. They have also informed the relevant UK department that his passport stands revoked,” Kadam said.Ghaywal, a resident of Pune, is accused in several criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and assault. Police believe he fled India after fraudulently obtaining a passport. A lookout circular has already been issued, and authorities have also sought a Blue Corner notice through Interpol.Just days before his disappearance, Ghaywal’s associates allegedly shot and injured a man in a road rage incident in Pune’s Kothrud area on September 18. Following the incident, police launched a manhunt to trace him and his network.Officials said investigators had long suspected Ghaywal was hiding in the United Kingdom, where his son is pursuing higher studies. Pune Police subsequently sought information from the British High Commission on how he obtained the visa, the duration of his stay, and the expiry date of the permit.Police have also requested details regarding Ghaywal’s current location in the UK, his son’s university, and sources of financial support for his education.The fugitive gangster’s presence in London has renewed calls for closer coordination between Indian and UK authorities on the extradition of individuals wanted in serious criminal cases.(With agency inputs)