Mumbai Court Acquits Chhota Rajan In 2011 Murder Case Of Dawood Ibrahim's Brother Iqbal Kaskar's Bodyguard

Mumbai: A Mumbai court on Monday acquitted gangster Chhota Rajan in the murder of the bodyguard of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's brother Iqbal Kaskar in 2011. According to reports, Special Judge AM Patil, designated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), acquitted Rajan. Notably, Rajan is presently lodged in Delhi's Tihar jail and was produced before the court virtually. Notably, notorious gangster Chhota Rajan has been acquitted in connection with the 2011 murder case of Arif Abubakar Sayyad, the driver and bodyguard of Iqbal Kaskar. 

According to reports, on May 17 in 2011, two men opened fire on Sayyad in south Mumbai, leaving him dead. The police investigation revealed that the killing was committed at the instance of Rajan, who was booked for murder and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), and Arms Act. However, Special Judge AM Patil, designated under MCOCA, cleared Rajan of all charges, citing insufficient evidence.

Rajan, currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar jail, has been serving a life sentence for the murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey. He is also facing trial in other criminal cases, including the double murder case of Chhote Miyan and Asif Dadhi. Despite his acquittal in the Sayyad murder case, Rajan will remain incarcerated due to his existing convictions.

The acquittal of Chhota Rajan has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing the verdict as a triumph of justice, while others express concern over the potential implications for Mumbai's underworld. As the city's law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with the complexities of organised crime.

In a statement, the court said, "He (Rajan) be released forthwith if he is not required in any crime or case." However, given Rajan's existing convictions and ongoing trials, his release remains unlikely.

Further developments regarding the ongoing legal actions against Chhota Rajan are being awaited.