Chhota Rajan's first photograph emerges after nine years, stirring controversy and security concerns

The first photograph of underworld don Chhota Rajan has emerged after nine years, showcasing him in a robust state, reported TOI on Monday.

The recent revelation dispelled speculations surrounding his alleged demise during the Covid pandemic or concerns about his health. However, its release has reignited apprehensions of potential attacks on him while incarcerated, prompting heightened vigilance from intelligence agencies.

Rajan, presently confined in a high-security cell within Tihar Jail's Jail No. 2, faces looming threats from underworld figures Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel. The latter has recurrently issued threats of harm against him while in jail, as per a TOI report.

Since his extradition to India in October 2015, Tihar authorities have abstained from issuing any official statements regarding his status.

During the Covid outbreak in May 2020, when a fellow inmate was diagnosed with the virus and Bihar's notorious mafia don-turned-politician Shahabuddin succumbed to it, no official updates regarding Rajan's well-being were provided.

A pivotal figure in the underworld during the 90s, Rajan's association with D-Company was significant before their estrangement. Following their fallout post the 1993 bombings, Mumbai witnessed a surge in violence. Rajan's intimate knowledge of D-Company's operations, including its international dealings and alleged ties within the Indian establishment, adds layers of complexity to his narrative.

Despite a red-corner notice issued against him in 1994, Rajan seemingly evaded capture, purportedly aiding agencies with intel on Dawood's syndicate across various countries. His survival instincts were evident in a 2000 assassination attempt orchestrated by Chhota Shakeel's operatives in Bangkok, where despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he narrowly escaped death.

TOI had broken the story of this Rajan's plan sparking an international situation, which mounted immense pressure on him to leave Australian territory in July 2015. Shakeel had even challenged Rajan for a final face-off, saying he and his men were still in Australia, in a subsequent interview with TOI.

For the ensuing 15 years, Rajan remained elusive to D-Company's clutches until his location in Newcastle, Australia, was uncovered in May 2015. This discovery prompted a final, albeit unsuccessful, assassination attempt.

Subsequent events, including Rajan's detention in Bali and expedited return to India, underscore the intricacies of international law enforcement and the shadowy world of organized crime.

"His real name was perhaps the code to facilitate his further journey to India. A special multi-agency team from Delhi brought him back within days. Rajan landed and kissed the ground upon his arrival at the technical area of Delhi airport, perhaps as a gesture of gratitude to his unknown saviour and his purported love for his country. He was whisked to Tihar, where he has been since," reported TOI.

(With inputs from TOI)