Search the Internet           Tips

'In Thailand and in India, I have
no enemy'

Gangster Rajendra Nikalje, alias Chhota Rajan, made this statement before a court in Bangkok on September 28.

I was called to Thailand by my friend Michael [Rohit Verma]. On September 15, 2000 at 9.45 pm I was shot twice. One bullet in the stomach and one near the kidney.

I was in my house. I was locking the door. Bullets hit the door. At the time of the incident, Michael, his wife, his child, and one maidservant were present in the flat. Except for the maidservant, all of us were Indians. I was not aware where they were in the flat.

I was sleeping in my room when I heard the sound of firing, which woke me up. From the sound I came to know that there was firing going on in the hall. A number of bullets were fired. I was standing near the door when the two bullets hit me.

I tried to lock the door. When the bullets cracked the door and hit me, I came to know about the number of bullets that were fired at me. I am not exactly sure then, but I thought two bullets hit me. The door is made of plywood.

My window was shut. When the bullet-sounds stopped and it was quiet I opened it by force. The flat is on the first floor. There is a wall near the window. With the help of the wall I came down to the ground. Near the wall there was a garbage box. It was full. I covered myself with the garbage and hid inside.

It was dark around that corner, but I was able to see the passers-by. Nobody could see me. I was safe in the garbage box. I did not hear any sound of firing or anybody's voice. I remained under the filth for 10 minutes. Then I went to the basement and up to my flat.

I saw some people standing outside. The door was open. I went inside. I saw Michael and his wife lying on the floor. Somebody had taken the child away. I did not know which weapon was used to shoot at me. Then the police came.

I am not aware of which hospital I was admitted to. I and bhabhi (Rohit's wife) are being treated in the same hospital. In Thailand and in India, I have no enemy. I am not aware who they were and why they were trying to kill me. There have been no attempt on my life ever and I do not know the shooters. I do not know anybody among them.

ALSO SEE:
Chhota Rajan survives murderous attack
We had not planned to kill him so easily: Shakeel
Gawli tops in murders, Chhota Rajan in moolah
3 Chhota Rajan gangsters convicted for Datta Samant's murder

EXTERNAL LINKS:
Mumbai's mafia wars
'We are responsible for the attacks on Milind Vaidya'
Chhota Rajan gang killed Mirza: government
Cross-border terminators
The Nepal game plan

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report