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Shakeel’s strongman arrested

Mumbai: The Mumbai police have arrested Arif Mirza Baig, 40, a key member of underworld don Chhota Shakeel’s gang. Joint Commissioner (Crime) Rakesh Maria said Baig was responsible for a spate of murders, which took place in the city through 1998. He has a number of murder and extortion cases against him. He has been remanded to police custody till November 23.“Its a big catch. He is very very important. Today, the two lieutenants of Shakeel are Fahim Machmach and Baig,” Mr. Maria said.

He said Baig was deported from Colombo for overstaying. The police kept a close watch from the moment he landed in Mumbai on Saturday and tailed him as he took accommodation in a suburban hotel. When his identity was confirmed, they finally apprehended him at Dreamland Cinema in south Mumbai at 4.45 p.m. on Sunday.

According to the police, Baig was responsible for a series of murders including in 1998, comprising that of Haji Mukhtar, a member of the rival Chota Rajan gang; Raees Kashmiri, Customs officer Farukh Batata and Bharat Mhatre .

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Shakeel’s strongman arrested

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