J Dey Murder Case: Nine along with Gangster Chhota Rajan convicted; Journalist Jigna Vora acquitted

Mumbai, May 2: Today the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court convicted Chhota Rajan and nine others in the murder case of Mid-Day crime reporter Jyotirmoy Dey. However, the court has acquitted Journalist Jigona Vora and Paulson in this case.

On 11 June 2011 Journalist Dey was shot multiple times by the members of a gang associated with notorious Mumbai-based gangster Chhota Rajan. The bystanders at Hiranandani, Powai, watched a man on a motorcycle get shot multiple times on the back by unidentified assassins.

What actually happened?

Mid-Day Crime Reporter J Dey was allegedly shot by a seven-member gang affiliated to notorious gangster Chhota Rajan. Dey had written several reports on the Mumbai underworld and had reportedly been working on a story that would focus largely on Chhota Rajan.

Before the verdict was handed out, the prosecution stated that Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan alias Seth alias Nana was the main accused in the J Dey murder case who ordered the hit, according to the prosecution.

As per the probe, Dey was writing a book on the Underworld, and for this, he was collecting information from all quarters, including from Rajan's rivals. His meetings and interactions with the rivals created suspicion in the minds of Rajan and his associates. This got worse when Dey called Rajan for a meeting in Philippines and London.

Officers said Rajan warned Dey not to write further, but the latter did not succumb to pressure. He even wrote two articles - "Did Rajan plan hit on Kaskar?... Sources believe the ageing gangster may have plotted the shootout as a desperate attempt to seize the lion's share of the Underworld pie" and "Rajan's gangsters off to pilgrimage". These articles, which had the potential to negatively impact Rajan's illegal activities, provoked the gangster further.

The investigation states that Rajan called up Kalya three times on June 10, and gave the final order. After the murder, Rajan called up journalists and confessed to having killed Dey, according to the prosecution, which added that three confessional statements also said it was Rajan who ordered the hit.