Underworld don Chhota Rajan, currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on Friday for a sinus issue. Sources revealed that doctors are considering surgery to address his medical condition.
Chhota Rajan, whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, was arrested by Indonesian police in October 2015 and extradited to India from Bali. Once a trusted aide of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, Rajan evaded capture for nearly three decades before his arrest.
Legal Troubles Continue of Chhota Rajan
Despite the bail, Rajan remains in jail due to his involvement in several other cases. In 2018, a special court sentenced him to life imprisonment for orchestrating the murder of journalist J Dey in 2011. His legal woes continue as trials in multiple cases are still pending across various cities. Rajan’s criminal history spans decades, marking him as one of India’s most infamous underworld figures.
Arrest of Gang Member After 32 Years
Last week, law enforcement arrested Vilas Pawar, a key member of Rajan’s gang, after a 32-year-long manhunt. Pawar was wanted for a 1992 shooting incident at the Dadar police station and a murder case. Once a close associate of Rajan, Pawar had a stronghold in Mumbai’s Govandi area during the 1980s.
Chhota Rajan himself evaded arrest for over three decades before being captured by Indonesian authorities in October 2015. He was extradited to India from Bali shortly afterward.
Acquittal in Datta Samant Case
In 2023, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court acquitted Rajan of charges related to the 1997 murder of prominent Mumbai trade union leader Dr. Datta Samant. Despite this acquittal, Rajan remains incarcerated as he faces numerous ongoing trials.
The notorious gangster’s criminal legacy continues to haunt Mumbai, with his name resurfacing in investigations and arrests of former gang members. For now, Rajan’s immediate concern is his health, as doctors at AIIMS Delhi assess his condition for potential surgery.
