Mumbai: The special MCOCA court hearing cases against underworld gangster Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan has acquitted him in connection with the case registered with Andheri police station for firing at the office of a builder in 2004.
As per the prosecution case, in 2004, builder Nandkumar Harchandani was constructing a building under Slum Rehabilitation Scheme at Andheri (East), which was originally taken up by M/s Shelter Maker India Private Ltd. Harchandani had, however, taken over the project but failed to pay the money to partners of Shelter Makers and also its contractor.
Besides, Harchandani had purchased the Shipping and Travels business from Chinoy Walecha for a total consideration of Rs1 crore. However, he allegedly paid only Rs20 lakh and had the property transferred to his name, failing to make the remaining payments as per the agreement.
As a result, disputes arose between Harchandani on one side and the partners of Shelter Maker and Walecha on the other. Walecha approached a local builder, Parvez Ali, to mediate, but negotiations failed.
Meanwhile, Harchandani began receiving calls made in the name of Rajan, demanding that he clear his dues. The prosecution alleged that, after Harchandani failed to comply, Rajan instructed his associate, Balu Dokre, to ‘teach him a lesson’.
It is alleged that on September 16, 2004, few people entered the office of Shelter Maker, operated by Harchandani, and ordered the manager to stop work. One of them opened fire at the manager as he attempted to escape. A case was later registered at the Andheri police station.
However, during his testimony, Harchandani stated that he had received threat calls from Parvez but did not mention Rajan’s name. The court observed that the prosecution’s most relevant witness against Rajan was Irshad Shaikh, the individual who allegedly received the threat call from him.
Analysing his evidence the court said, “he (Shaikh) admitted that he is not certain whether the person talked on the call was Chhota Rajan.
“Even, prosecution failed to prove how this witness could be influenced to extend the threat to the builder because he had only the duty to supply the security guards to the customers of the company,” the court said while acquitting Rajan.
