The Bombay High Court granted bail on Wednesday to underworld gangster Chhota Rajan, who was convicted earlier this year in the murder case of hotelier Jaya Shetty in Mumbai in 2001. The court has suspended Rajan’s life sentence while directing him to furnish a bond of Rs 1 lakh for the bail.
Despite the bail being granted, Chhota Rajan will remain in jail as he is currently serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey, alongside other pending criminal cases against him.
Background of the Case
On May 30, 2023, a special court convicted Chhota Rajan for his involvement in the murder of Jaya Shetty, who owned the Golden Crown Hotel in Gamdevi, Mumbai.
The incident occurred on the night of May 4, 2001, when two shooters allegedly entered the hotel and fatally shot Shetty on the upper floor. Investigations revealed that Shetty had previously reported receiving extortion threats from Rajan’s associates and was killed for failing to pay the demanded money.
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Chhota Rajan’s Criminal History
At 64, Rajan is recognized as one of the most notorious mafia syndicate leaders in Mumbai. His criminal career began in 1979 when he was arrested for assaulting police constables. After serving his sentence, he initially aligned himself with the Bada Rajan gang before taking refuge under the infamous Dawood Ibrahim. In 1989, Chhota Rajan fled to Dubai and Indonesia, where he remained a fugitive for nearly 27 years before being deported to India in November 2015.
Chhota Rajan is wanted for a series of criminal offenses, including murder, extortion, smuggling, and drug trafficking, cementing his reputation as a key figure in Mumbai’s underworld.
Legal Implications
The granting of bail by the Bombay High Court reflects the complexities of Rajan’s ongoing legal battles. While this decision may provide a temporary reprieve, it does not change his status regarding other serious charges that continue to loom over him.
