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Chhota Rajans Journey to Infamy
Chhota Rajan’s Journey: From Ticket Seller to Underworld Don
Chhota Rajan, one of India’s most infamous gangsters, has had a life filled with crime, rivalry, and violence. Recently, he was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in a case involving the 2001 murder of hotelier Jaya Shetty. However, he remains incarcerated due to other criminal charges. Chhota Rajan is a name that has left a significant mark on the underworld history of India.
Who is Chhota Rajan?
Born as Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje on January 13, 1957, in the Tilaknagar area of Chembur, Mumbai, Chhota Rajan began his life on a very different path. He initially worked as a cinema ticket seller and was involved in petty crimes in Chembur. During the 1980s, he came under the mentorship of Bada Rajan, a known figure in the world of black marketing. Bada Rajan taught him the tricks of the trade, and after Bada Rajan’s death, Rajendra was given the moniker Chhota Rajan by his gang members, marking his rise in the criminal world.
Chhota Rajan’s Alliance with D-Company
In the 1990s, Chhota Rajan became closely associated with the notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim, aligning himself with the D-Company syndicate. This partnership was a turning point in his criminal career, as it expanded his reach and influence in the underworld. However, their alliance came to an end after the 1993 Bombay bombings, an event that shook the city and brought the duo under intense scrutiny.
Following the bombings, Rajan fled to Dubai and eventually became a rival to Dawood. The rivalry between Chhota Rajan and Dawood Ibrahim led to violent clashes between their gangs, with each side targeting members of the other. It is believed that Chhota Rajan provided information to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) about Dawood’s activities, attempting to weaken his former ally’s global network.
Assassination Attempt and Rajan’s Arrest
In 2000, Chhota Rajan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Bangkok. The attack was orchestrated by Dawood’s close associate, Chhota Shakeel. Rajan, who was residing in a hotel, sustained multiple injuries but survived the attempt. However, his hitman Rohit Varma and Varma’s wife lost their lives during the attack. This incident further intensified the enmity between the two underworld figures.
For over 15 years, Chhota Rajan managed to evade capture, both from Dawood’s men and law enforcement. In 2015, he was tracked down in Newcastle, Australia, but this discovery led to another failed attempt on his life. Later that year, Rajan was arrested in Bali, Indonesia. His arrest was a significant moment, as it brought an end to his years of being on the run.
Upon his return to India, Rajan was deported and immediately taken into custody. At the Delhi airport, he reportedly kissed the ground—a gesture that was seen as his expression of gratitude for returning to his homeland. Following his arrival, he was transferred to Tihar Jail, where he continues to serve his sentence.
Trials and Convictions: Jaya Shetty Murder Case
Since his deportation, Chhota Rajan has faced numerous legal trials in India. One of the most prominent cases was the murder of Mumbai-based hotelier Jaya Shetty in 2001. On May 30 of this year, the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court found Rajan guilty in the Jaya Shetty murder case and sentenced him to rigorous life imprisonment. However, on October 23, the Bombay High Court suspended his life sentence and granted him bail in this particular case.
Despite the bail, Chhota Rajan remains in Tihar Jail due to his involvement in other serious criminal cases. His imprisonment does not erase his dark legacy, which has left a significant impact on Mumbai’s criminal landscape.
Conviction in the Journalist J Dey Murder Case
In addition to the Jaya Shetty case, Chhota Rajan was also convicted for the murder of journalist J Dey. On May 2, 2018, he received a life sentence for his role in the assassination of the journalist, who was investigating the activities of the Mumbai underworld. The conviction was a major victory for the authorities in their efforts to bring organized crime figures to justice.
This case, among others, has ensured that Chhota Rajan remains behind bars, even as he occasionally wins legal reprieves in individual cases. His name remains synonymous with Mumbai’s underworld activities, and his actions continue to be a subject of study for law enforcement agencies and crime researchers.
Chhota Rajan’s Legacy in India’s Underworld
The story of Chhota Rajan serves as a cautionary tale of how a life of crime can lead to a downfall, no matter how high the ascent might seem. From a ticket seller in Mumbai’s Chembur area to becoming one of India’s most feared gangsters, his rise and fall are marked by a series of alliances, betrayals, and violent encounters. His rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim, once his close associate, reshaped the dynamics of the Mumbai underworld.
Today, Chhota Rajan remains confined within the walls of Tihar Jail, with his future uncertain. His life stands as a reminder of the intricate web of crime and retribution that has long plagued the city’s history.
Conclusion: The Enduring Infamy of Chhota Rajan
Even though Chhota Rajan has been granted bail in certain cases, his imprisonment reflects the seriousness of his past actions. His life is a mix of notoriety and infamy, with a legacy that continues to be studied and remembered in India’s battle against organized crime. As he serves time in Tihar Jail, the story of his rise and fall serves as a reminder of the law’s reach and the consequences of a life steeped in crime.
Disclaimer:
This article provides information based on publicly available sources about Chhota Rajan’s life and criminal activities. It aims to present a factual account without endorsing or condoning any illegal actions.
