The ‘big boys’ of Mumbai’s underworld may soon get actively involved in reactivating gang operations.
The ‘big boys’ of Mumbai’s underworld may soon get actively involved in reactivating gang operations — thanks to their acquittals from various cases or the dropping of stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) charges against them.
The biggest boost was for the Chhota Rajan gang, when DK Rao was granted bail in an MCOCA case last week. Rao, who has been in jail since 2005, is believed to be a key lieutenant of Rajan.
Gangster Abu Salem, who once spread his terror in Mumbai’s filmdom with his extortion calls, was also discharged of MCOCA charges recently. Salem, formerly associated with the D-Company, formed his own gang after he fell off with Dawood Ibrahim. He is currently being tried for two cases under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (Tada) and the alleged murder of builder Pradip Jain.
It’s possible that they reactivate their gangs if they are released on bail. Plus, the jail is the best place to recruit fresh members in the gangs, said a senior police official, on condition of anonymity.
Gangster Brijesh Singh, an alleged aide of the D-Company, was acquitted in the JJ shootout case. The attack was in retaliation to the murder of Dawood’s kin.
Alleged gangster Mustafa Dossa also was recently acquitted in an extortion case. He is still behind bars for his alleged involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. “In the last decade, the police have successfully clamped down on underworld activities. Now, if the bigwigs are out, we may witness a spurt in their activities,” added the official.
Dawood Ibrahim’s brother Iqbal Kaskar, who was deported from Dubai in 2003 and was in jail, has also been acquitted in the various cases registered against him. After his release, it was feared that Iqbal would use his brother’s clout and start illegal activities again. “We are keeping a close watch on him,” said a senior crime branch official.
According to jail sources, an illustrious hotelier owing allegiance to the Chhota Rajan gang, met DK Rao twice in the last couple of months, possibly to discuss gang activities.
s_poornima@dnaindia.net
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