Chhota Rajan, a notorious underworld figure, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1994 murder case of Mumbai hotelier Jaya Shetty. This verdict, delivered by a special CBI court, represents a significant development in the long-standing battle against organized crime in India.
Background of the Case
- Victim: Jaya Shetty was a hotelier in Mumbai and had alleged connections with the underworld.
- Crime: In 1994, Shetty was shot dead in his hotel. The murder was linked to underworld disputes and power struggles.
- Accused: Chhota Rajan, whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, was accused of orchestrating the murder.
Chhota Rajan’s Criminal Background
- Rise in the Underworld: Rajan emerged as a significant underworld figure in Mumbai, initially working under Dawood Ibrahim before their fallout.
- Criminal Activities: He was involved in extortion, smuggling, drug trafficking, and numerous contract killings.
- Rivalry: Rajan had a fierce rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim, leading to a split and a violent gang war in the 1990s.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
- Arrest: Rajan was arrested in Bali, Indonesia, in 2015, and subsequently extradited to India.
- Trial: The trial in the Jaya Shetty murder case was part of several cases against Rajan.
- Verdict: The special CBI court found Rajan guilty of ordering the murder, leading to his life imprisonment sentence.
Significance of the Verdict
- Judicial Action: The life sentence signifies a major achievement for Indian law enforcement and judicial systems in tackling organized crime.
- Message: It sends a strong message that high-profile criminals can be brought to justice, regardless of their influence and connections.
- Ongoing Trials: Rajan faces multiple other charges and trials for his involvement in various criminal activities over the decades.
The conviction of Chhota Rajan in the Jaya Shetty murder case marks an important chapter in India’s ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime syndicates and deliver justice for the victims of these violent power struggles.