In a significant verdict, a special MCOCA court in Mumbai has sentenced underworld don Chhota Rajan and eight others to life imprisonment for the murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey. The decision comes nearly seven years after Dey was shot dead in suburban Powai on June 11, 2011, allegedly at Rajan’s behest.
Background of the Case
Jyotirmoy Dey, a prominent crime journalist, was killed while on his way home. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that Rajan ordered the killing due to Dey’s critical articles about him, which portrayed Rajan in a negative light. Rajan, who was arrested in Indonesia in 2015 and subsequently deported to India, faced charges of criminal conspiracy and murder.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
The special court framed charges against Rajan in 2016. During the trial, the prosecution presented testimony from 155 witnesses, though eight witnesses turned hostile. Despite these challenges, the court found sufficient evidence to convict Rajan and his associates, underscoring the seriousness of the crime and its implications on the freedom of the press.
Journalist Jigna Vora, who was initially accused of instigating Rajan against Dey, was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. The court noted that the allegations against her, which included providing Rajan with Dey’s personal details, could not be substantiated as no incriminating emails were recovered.
Implications
This verdict is a significant milestone in the fight against organized crime in India, particularly in cases involving attacks on journalists. It sends a strong message about the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the freedom of the press and holding perpetrators accountable.