Colaba catches up with British national in NY

This one is as much an example of law enforcement working across international borders as it is of the mounting concern worldwide over child...

This one is as much an example of law enforcement working across international borders as it is of the mounting concern worldwide over child abuse. A UK national, who had jumped bail in India three years back on charges of paedophilia, has been tracked down in New York.

Alan Walter John was wanted for alleged child abuse of some street children at Anchorage, a home for destitutes in Colaba, south Mumbai. The victims were provided with free meals at the shelter where John worked. The abuse had come to light after some NGO activists were tipped off. Subsequently, some of the victims testified before the police and a case was registered by the authorities. John was taken into custody.

John’s case took a twist when he jumped bail and fled the country in December 2001. Mumbai police then notified Interpol, which in turn launched a global hunt for John (40).

Story continues below this ad

John was finally tracked down during his stay in New York in May this year. The local police, who were informed about his whereabouts, have put together a team to escort him back. ‘‘We are sending a team to the US to escort John for further investigations in Mumbai,’’ said JCP Dr Satya Pal Singh.

British authorities had carried out a parallel probe into the case over the last two months — while John was being held in custody — to verify the charges. John’s defence counsel even got some children to retract their statements. On the basis of the statements, a plea was made for his release. But fresh evidence gathered by Mumbai police have managed to convince US authorities to hand over the suspect.

DCPHimanshu Roy led a team that put together a water-tight case that convinced US officials to keep John in custody.

He is likely to be produced before a magistrate in Mumbai sometime late next week after he is brought back from the US.

Men who opened fire outside actor Disha Patani’s home killed in encounter in Ghaziabad

Cities4 hr ago

Two men belonging to the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar Gang were killed in an encounter in Ghaziabad, suspected to be involved in the firing outside Disha Patani's residence. The duo, identified as Ravindra and Arun, were wanted in multiple cases and were spotted by the police through CCTV footage. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had directed for a speedy investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.

View all shorts

Live Blog