CBI registers two more cases against Chhota Rajan

CBI has registered two fresh cases against gangster Chhota Rajan related to alleged murder of suspected rivals and assassination attempt on a businessman in Mumbai at the request of Maharashtra government authorities.

CBI sources said the first case relates to Bhendi Bazar shoot out allegedly executed by hired shooters of Rajan in February 2010 in which two persons--Shakeel Modak and Irfan Qureishi--were killed while one Asif Dadhi was injured.

Modak was believed to be very close to a well known politician who had been an MLC and an MLA. Modak owned a fishing trawler. Qureishi used to work in a printing press.

Dadhi was under the Mumbai police scanner over alleged illegal activities but was cleared by the competent court.

The agency sources said a case has been registered against four unknown persons under various sections of IPC related to murder and provisions of the arms act.

They said the second case relates to an alleged attempt made on the life of Mumbai-based businessman and hotelier B R Shetty in October 2012 by two motorcycle-borne shooters suspected to be linked to Rajan.

The case, which was probed by Amboli Police, has now been taken over by CBI, which has registered a case against two unknown persons under the IPC provisions related to attempt to murder, arms act and stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

When asked about these cases, CBI spokesperson R K Gaur confirmed the development.

"CBI has taken over the investigation in these two cases which were earlier registered by the Mumbai police," he said.

Maharashtra authorities have referred to CBI over 70 cases in which involvement of Rajan is suspected. The agency has so far registered three cases including these two. Earlier, it had registered the case relating to the murder of journalist J Dey, who was allegedly shot dead on the instructions of Rajan.

CBI FIR does not name Rajan because according to rules, the agency takes over the report registered by the local police. After the probe, the agency may add or delete names of suspects in its final report submitted to the court.

Rajan was detained by Indonesian Police in Bali on 25 October last year on his arrival from Australia following a Red Corner Notice by the Interpol. He was later deported to India on November 6, 2015.

CBI has also charge-sheeted him for allegedly using a fake passport which he used to dodge enforcement agencies.