Pune Gangland: Chhota Rajan’s Niece Arrested in Extortion Case by Pune Police

By India Crime Correspondent

PUNE, 19 May, 2021

In a significant development, Priyadarshini Nikalje, the niece of notorious underworld figure Chhota Rajan, was taken into custody by the Pune Police’s Crime Branch on Tuesday evening.

The arrest pertains to her involvement in an extortion case. The official statement issued by the Pune police announced, “Priyadarshini Nikalje, who is the niece of underworld don Chhota Rajan, has been apprehended by the Pune Police’s Crime Branch in connection with an extortion case in Wanowarie.”

Chhota Rajan’s Recent Health Situation:

Earlier in the same month, Chhota Rajan’s real name Rajendra Nikalje, was released from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after undergoing treatment for COVID-19.

The 61-year-old criminal had been admitted to AIIMS on April 26, 2021, after testing positive for the virus.

Amid speculations about his well-being, the hospital clarified that he was receiving treatment for the coronavirus and dispelled any rumors of his demise.

It’s worth noting that Shahabuddin, a notorious gangster-politician from Bihar, who was also incarcerated in Tihar Prison, succumbed to COVID-19.

Rajan’s Background and Imprisonment:

Chhota Rajan was extradited to India following his arrest in Bali, Indonesia, in 2015. Since then, he has been incarcerated in the high-security Tihar jail in Delhi.

In 2018, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the murder of journalist J Dey in 2011.

Case Details and Implications:

Priyadarshini Nikalje’s arrest in the extortion case adds a new dimension to the underworld narrative associated with Chhota Rajan.

The specifics of her involvement in the case are yet to be revealed, but her familial connection to the infamous criminal has undoubtedly brought further attention to the unfolding situation.

The Pune police’s Crime Branch is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into Priyadarshini Nikalje’s role in the alleged extortion case, shedding light on the connections and circumstances that led to her arrest.

The incident underscores the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in tackling organized crime and its associated activities.

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