First photo of Chhota Rajan emerges from Tihar Jail nine years after arrest

Rumours about the demise of underworld don Chhota Rajan were put to rest on Monday as photos emerged from Tihar jail for the first time in nine years. The gangster — whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje — was arrested by the Indonesian police in October 2015 and later extradited from Bali to India. Rajan spent nearly three decades on the run prior to his arrest and is believed to have been the former right-hand man of Dawood Ibrahim.

A photo of the gangster a seemingly healthy condition reportedly surfaced from Tihar jail on Monday. According to a Times of India report, the development has also rekindled concerns about an attack against the Tihar inmate and left security agencies worried. 

Rumours of his death had surfaced amid the COVID-19 pandemic after Rajan was admitted AIIMS hospital in April 2021. The Delhi Police had sent teams to investigate the claim and later released a clarification about the matter. 

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The gangster is believe to be facing threats from Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel. The latter has also threatened to have Rajan killed in jail on several occasions.

(With inputs from agencies)