Mumbai, January 11: Abid Ali, better known as Raju Irani or "Rehman Dakait" (Rahman Dakait), the alleged mastermind behind a sprawling 14-state criminal syndicate, was arrested by the Surat Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) on Friday, January 9. The arrest marks the end of a two-decade-long pursuit of the gang leader, who managed a complex network of impersonators and fraudsters from Bhopal’s notorious Irani Dera. Captured in a covert operation in the Lalgate area, Ali had been on the run since narrowly escaping a massive police raid in Bhopal late last month.

A Network of Deception: Modus Operandi of Raju Irani's Gang

Raju Irani's syndicate specialised in crimes of deception, often mirroring the plot of the film "Special 26". His gang members were trained to impersonate high-ranking officials, including CBI officers, customs agents, and police personnel, to conduct fraudulent raids. Dr Rashmi Verma Dies: AIIMS Bhopal Doctor Dies of Alleged Anaesthesia Overdose After Nearly 25 Days on Ventilator.

The Disguise: The gang utilised safari suits and fake credentials to appear as government officials. In other instances, members dressed as sadhus (holy men) to exploit religious faith and target elderly citizens.

Interstate "Journeys": The Dera operated like a corporate entity, dispatching teams on "journeys" across India to states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Stolen goods were ferried back to Bhopal by dedicated couriers.

Criminal Infrastructure: Investigations revealed that the Irani settlement in Aman Colony housed at least six specialised gangs under Ali's leadership, focusing on everything from fake gold sales to high-end mobile phone smuggling.

Abid Ali Alias Raju Alias Rehman Dakait Has Been Arrested, Says Surat Police

The Escape and Capture of 'Rehman Dakait'

The crackdown began on December 28 last year, when 150 Bhopal police officers conducted a "surgical strike" on the Irani Dera. Despite intense stone-throwing from residents that allowed Abid Ali (Rehman Dakait) to slip away, the raid resulted in the detention of 34 individuals.

Following his escape, Ali reportedly fled to Maharashtra before seeking refuge in Surat. Acting on intelligence that the gangster was planning a new operation, the Surat DCB laid a silent trap. He was apprehended without a single shot being fired and has since been transferred to Bhopal on a production warrant.

Legal Battle and Bail Controversy

On January 11, a Bhopal district court sent Abid Ali (Raju Irani) to police remand until January 17. His defence counsel, Nazar Raja, has challenged the remand, maintaining his client's innocence and arguing that the charges are based on settled family matters. However, the case has already been marred by a major legal scandal. Within 48 hours of the December raid, 14 of Ali's associates secured bail using "dead guarantors." Investigations found that forged documents were submitted in court using the names of individuals who had died years prior, highlighting the syndicate’s deep-rooted ability to manipulate the judicial system. Raju Vikanya Aka Vilas Balram Pawar Arrested in Chembur: Mumbai Police Arrests Gangster Chhota Rajan’s Henchman Absconding for 32 Years.

Tracing the Legacy of Irani Dera Gang

The Irani Dera's criminal history dates back to the 1970s under Raju's father, Hasmat Irani. Raju assumed control in 2006, allegedly rising to power through a tribal council that prioritises criminal credentials. Police describe the Dera as a disciplined, ruthless system where the leader ensures legal aid and financial support for the families of jailed members. Forensic examination of seized laptops and mobile phones is currently underway to trace the syndicate’s digital footprints and international links, including a suspected mobile smuggling route to Dubai.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 10:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).