The New Nation - Internet Edition

Mamunur Rashid

The country's leading gangster Subrato Bain, who was arrested by Kolkata police on Saturday as a militant suspect faces deportation to Bangladesh.

However, West Bengal CID chief Rajeev Kumar said, "But we have to check whether this can be done directly or we will have to go through India's external affairs ministry," according to media report.

Kolkata police charged Subrato Bain with illegal entry into India without valid travel documents.

Bain, also known as Fateh Ali in India, was arrested at the Palm Avenue on Saturday as a militant suspect. During interrogation by police his true identity was confirmed.

Rajeev Kumar said Bain has recently paid a visit to China, but the purpose of the visit was not known.

Bain had run a crime syndicate in Dhaka known as the Seven Star for several years.

He now faces deportation. Last year India handed over five other wanted criminals to Bangladesh.

In 2007, Interpol informed the Indian authorities that as many as 23 alleged high-profile Bangladeshi criminals had crossed into West Bengal and taken shelter, mostly in and around Kolkata.

Last year, the Indian government handed back five criminals wanted by the Dhaka authorities. In March this year, two others were deported.

However, India is yet to send back another wanted man, Khondkar Tanvirul Islam Joy, who was arrested earlier this year in the capital of West Bengal.

Bangladesh is upset with the delay in Joy's repatriation because he is wanted in connection with several major crimes.