July 28th 2023.
Today, a special Central Bureau of Investigation court acquitted gangster Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, also known as Chhota Rajan, of all charges related to the high-profile murder of renowned trade union leader Dr. Datta Samant. The incident occurred in 1997 in Mumbai, when Dr. Samant was travelling in his jeep from Powai to Pant Nagar in Ghatkopar.
The prosecution's account states that on January 16, 1997, four unknown assailants on motorcycles intercepted Dr. Samant's vehicle and fired at least seventeen bullets at the trade union leader, before fleeing the scene. Dr. Samant was rushed to Aniket Nursing Home nearby, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Later that day, the Sakinaka police registered a case against the four assailants, based on a report filed by Dr. Samant's driver, Bhimrao Sonkamble.
The verdict was delivered in July 2000, with certain locals being prosecuted. However, Rajan and another gangster named Guru Satam, along with Rajan's trusted lieutenant, Rohit Verma, were reported as absconding. Rajan was apprehended in October 2015 in Bali, Indonesia, and the CBI took charge of all the cases filed against him. Special CBI Judge AM Patil acquitted Rajan of all charges related to Dr. Samant's murder, citing "want of cogent evidence".
Rajan's acquittal has led to speculations about his involvement in other cases, most notably the rumoured resurgence of Abu Azmi on his radar. As of now, the truth remains shrouded in mystery.
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