Chhota Rajan Biography: Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, better known as Chhota Rajan, is a well-known figure in Indian organized crime. Born on January 13, 1960, in Chembur, Mumbai, his journey from a modest background to becoming a notorious gangster is both intriguing and complex. He is 64 years old in 2024.
Early Life
Chhota Rajan was born to Sadasiv Sakharam Nikalje, a peon, and Laxmibai Sadashiv Nikalje. Growing up in a lower-middle-class household, he faced various challenges. His mother, Laxmibai, passed away in 2014 at the age of 88. Rajan has three brothers and two sisters, including Sunita Chavan and Malini Sakpal. His younger brother, Deepak Nikalje, is involved in politics with the Republican Party of India.
Entry into Crime
Rajan’s criminal journey began in the streets of Mumbai, where he initially worked as a petty black marketeer, trading cinema tickets. This small-time hustle led him to the gang of Bada Rajan, a prominent gangster at the time. After Bada Rajan was murdered, Chhota Rajan took over the gang, significantly altering the dynamics of Mumbai’s underworld.
The Split from Dawood Ibrahim
Chhota Rajan was once closely associated with the infamous Dawood Ibrahim. However, as tensions grew between them, largely due to territorial disputes, Rajan eventually split from Ibrahim and formed his own gang. This separation was significant in the Mumbai underworld, reshaping alliances and rivalries as Rajan focused on extortion, smuggling, and various illegal activities.
Criminal Activities and Arrest
Chhota Rajan is wanted for numerous criminal activities, including extortion, smuggling, and murder. His operations were extensive, and he became a significant figure in organized crime. In 2015, after years of evading law enforcement, Rajan was arrested in Bali, Indonesia, and extradited to India.
Recently, Chhota Rajan made news when the Bombay High Court granted him bail in the 2001 murder case of hotelier Jaya Shetty. The court suspended his life sentence, allowing him to be released on bail if he pays a bond of Rs. 1 lakh. However, he will still stay in jail because he is serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey, along with other pending criminal cases.
Wife and Children
Chhota Rajan is married to Sujata Nikhalje, and they have three daughters: Ankita, Nikita, and Khushi Nikalje. Despite his criminal lifestyle, he has maintained ties with his family, working to keep connections with his daughters, even from behind bars.
Chhota Rajan Biography: Net Worth
Estimating Chhota Rajan’s net worth is challenging due to the secretive nature of his criminal dealings. During his peak, his wealth was believed to be substantial, derived from various illegal activities. However, many of his assets have likely been seized or frozen following his arrest.
Conclusion
Chhota Rajan’s life is marked by a transition from a modest upbringing to a prominent role in organized crime. As he serves his life sentence, Chhota Rajan remains a notable figure in discussions surrounding organized crime in India.
Chhota Rajan Biography will be updated here as new details emerge.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable. This post is for informational purposes only. India At Present Info. will not be responsible for any wrong information, readers are encouraged to verify the information independently.
