Mumbai Airport Erupts as Three Malaysian Fugitives Turn Violent After UK Deportation

Tension and chaos gripped Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai on Monday when three of Malaysia’s most wanted criminals caused a violent scene immediately after being deported from the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, the fugitives exhibited aggressive behavior inside a secure airport zone, prompting authorities to enforce heightened security measures.

The men—Pratheepkumar Selvaraj, Sridharan Subramanian, and Navindren Raj Kumarasan—were flown to Mumbai on IndiGo flight 6E-32 on January 23. They were to be handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police under Operation Jack Sparrow, Malaysia’s major crackdown on organised crime syndicates.

Who Are the Accused?

The three men are among Malaysia’s most notorious criminals:

Pratheepkumar Selvaraj

Sridharan Subramanian

Navindren Raj Kumarasan

They were placed under heavy security in the airport’s refusal room while awaiting the arrival of a special Malaysian police team.

Why They Were Being Tracked

Each of the fugitives has serious criminal cases in Malaysia. After fleeing, they traveled to Mumbai and then boarded a flight to Manchester. Upon arrival, British authorities detained them due to their criminal records. Following international deportation rules, they were sent back to their last international point of departure, bringing them to Mumbai.

Violence at Terminal 2

Airport sources revealed that the trio became violent once they realized they were trapped. They reportedly assaulted CISF personnel and attempted to overpower security forces, creating significant disruption. “They weren’t just resisting arrest; they were fighting like they had nothing to lose,” said one insider.

How They Managed to Board a Flight

Investigators are examining how these highly wanted criminals were able to board an international flight from Mumbai undetected. Officials are exploring whether forged documents were used or if there was a gap in the Red Corner Notice database during their transit.

Connection to Operation Jack Sparrow

The fugitives are central targets in Operation Jack Sparrow, launched by Malaysian Police Director General Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail in late 2025. The operation aims to dismantle two major organised crime groups responsible for violent crimes across Malaysia.

Crimes Linked to the Trio

Authorities have linked the men to over 80 violent crimes, including a highly publicised murder in Taman Sentosa, Klang. Their activities include:

Arson and armed attacks in Brickfields and Cheras

Drug-related offences, with at least 34 cases recorded collectively

Coordination Between Mumbai and Malaysian Authorities

The Mumbai Immigration Department is in close contact with Malaysian authorities to complete all necessary procedures. The fugitives will be officially handed over once the Malaysian elite police team arrives.

The fugitives’ attempt to evade Malaysian law by transiting through Mumbai to reach the UK ended abruptly when British officials refused them entry. They were returned to Mumbai in line with international deportation protocols.

Security Implications

The violent confrontation raises concerns about airport security and the effectiveness of international criminal alert systems. Agencies are reviewing travel records and documents to understand how the trio evaded detection initially.