Mahakali had terrorised the inhabitants of Dehu Road and Pimpri-Chinchwad area for the past seven years.
The death of Rakesh Phulchand Dakolia, alias Mahakali, in an encounter with the cops on Wednesday morning, put an end to an era of a dreaded gangster, who had terrorised the inhabitants of Dehu Road and Pimpri-Chinchwad area for the past seven years.
The 26-year-old had styled himself after another dreaded gangster of the 80s Mahakali, whose alias, Rakesh had taken for himself. Interestingly, the original gangster Mahakali, was also killed in an encounter with the police.
Originally hailing from Delhi, Mahakali grew up in the slums of the industrial twin township. Although no details about his formative years in terms of schooling is known, the police told DNA that the influence of gang lords on Mahakali played a vital role in his decision to brace the wrong side of the law.
A close associate of Mahakali told DNA, "When dreaded past gangster Mahakali died that time Mahakali was a child. He started following his 'senior's' footsteps and carried out unlawful activities in the city."
A police official told DNA, "Initially, Mahakali was working for a city-based gangster. But formed a separate gang, after having a dispute with the latter. About 15 members were working in his gang and were mainly operating on the Dehu Road, Pimpri, Chatuhshrungi, Lonavla rural areas and Vishrantwadi area."
About 16 serious offences have been registered against Mahakali. Of which, seven offences, including murder, attempt to murder and extortion, had been registered against him with the Dehu Road police station. Four criminal cases had been lodged with the Pimpri police station, two with Chatuhshrungi police station and Vishrantwadi police station.
Hefty and tall Mahakali struck terror in the hearts of others because of his overpowering physique. A police inspector attached with the local crime branch told DNA that Mahakali was religious about his working out, and augmented his fitness regime with regular dosage of pork.
Like the true blue baddie that he was, Mahakali was very colourful in his personal life and had three wives. One of his wives was seen crying inconsolably at Sassoon General Hospital on Wednesday morning, when the gangster's body was brought there.
On December 24, 2010, in Ramabainagar slums on Dehu Road, a police team was attacked by slum dwellers and two members from a criminal gang, including Mahakali, fired two rounds in the air to turn the police away.
In the above incident, four policemen and a civilian were injured. The police also fired one round in the air in retaliation.
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