Chhota Rajan alive? Photo from Tihar surfaces after 9 years
What's the story
A purported photograph of underworld don Chhota Rajan—the first since his arrest nine years ago—has surfaced on social media, reports said.
The photo which shows Rajan in Delhi's Tihar Jail has somewhat put an end to the rumors of his death and ill-health in custody, reports added.
To recall, Rajan was arrested at the Bali airport and extradited to India in 2015 and has since been lodged in Tihar's prison no. 2 in a high-security cell.
Speculation
Covid-19 diagnosis fueled death rumors
In April 2021, Rajan was diagnosed with Covid-19 and hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi.
Following the news of Bihar's mafia don-turned-politician Shahabuddin's Covid-related death, rumors swirled about Rajan meeting a similar fate.
The authorities too never issued any health update on Rajan.
According to reports, the release of the photo at this stage has also rekindled fears of an attack on him in jail, raising concerns among intelligence agencies.
History
Rajan's past ties with Mumbai's D-Company
Rajan was a significant figure in Mumbai's D-Company, but fell out with the group's leader, Dawood Ibrahim, following the 1993 Mumbai bombings.
This disagreement led to numerous death threats from fellow gangster Chhota Shakeel. In 2000, Rajan even survived an assassination attempt by Shakeel's hitmen in Bangkok.
Separately, a red corner notice was issued against Rajan in 1994, but it was speculated that since his split with Dawood, he was helping federal agencies with inside information on the D-Company's workings.
Rajan's arrest
Rajan arrested in 2015
After remaining at large for nearly two decades, Rajan was caught in 2015 when he arrived at the Bali airport from Sydney.
According to reports, Rajan was carrying a passport with the name Mohan Kumar, but ended up saying his real name, Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalke, to the authorities at immigration, leading to his arrest.
He has since been lodged at Tihar.
Tihar jail number 2
Kejriwal housed in same complex as Rajan
Notably, Rajan was in news recently as he is housed in the same jail compound as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Notorious personalities such as Rajan, gangster Neeraj Bawana, and alleged terrorist Ziaur Rehman are also housed in the same complex—Tihar prison number 2.
Bawana faces over 40 cases—including murder, attempted murder, and extortion charges, while Rehman is allegedly linked to the Indian Mujahideen (IM).