Underworld Don Chhota Rajan was arrested in Bali on October 25, 2015, and deported to India. He is an accused in 71 cases in Maharashtra and is already serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of journalist J Dey.
Mumbai,UPDATED: May 30, 2024 16:28 IST
Underworld don Chhota Rajan was convicted on Thursday by a special CBI court in Mumbai for the murder of hotelier Jaya Shetty in 2001. Shetty, who owned the 'Golden Crown' hotel in South Mumbai, was shot dead in front of his office by two unidentified persons on May 4, 2001.
After finding him guilty, Special Judge AM Patil sentenced Rajan to life imprisonment for his role in the crime. Rajan received four life sentences under different sections of the crime and was fined Rs 16 lakhs.
In this case, three accused had already been handed life sentences when a trial was held against the shooters. Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat noted that an earlier judgment by Special Judge AP Bhangale had held Rajan responsible for the shooting, stating it was done at his behest.
The prosecution’s case asserted that Rajan had been calling Jaya Shetty for extortion money, demanding a ransom of Rs 50,000, which Shetty had not paid. This refusal allegedly led to the killing. The hotel manager and another employee managed to chase and catch one of the shooters. Two accused in the case surrendered to the police.
The trial against Rajan has been going on for the last five years. During the present trial, SPP Gharat examined 32 witnesses, including Jaya Shetty’s sons, Mohan and Manohar Shetty.
Rajan was arrested at Bali airport in Indonesia on October 25, 2015, and deported to India. He is an accused in around 70 cases in Maharashtra and is already serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of journalist J Dey. The Maharashtra government has handed over all the 70-odd cases to the CBI for further prosecution.
Published By:
ramesh sharma
Published On:
May 30, 2024
English (US) ·