Kapil Sangwan is an Indian gangster based in London, United Kingdom. He is known to be involved in many criminal cases like murders, extortion, and weapons acts.

Wiki/Biography

Kapil Sangwan was born in 1992 (age 32 years; as of 2023) in  Narnaul, Haryana. He pursued his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya CRPF Camp Jharodakalan in New Delhi. He pursued graduation in Hotel Management at Amity University, Gurgaon. According to many videos uploaded by Kapil Sangwan, he wanted to join the Delhi underworld from a young age.

Physical Appearance

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family/Caste

Kapil Sangwan belongs to a Jaat family in Haryana, India.

Parents & Siblings

Kapil Sangwan’s father’s name is Suraj Bhan. He has an elder brother named Jyoti Sangwan alias Baba, who is also a gangster.

Wife 

Kapil Sangwan is unmarried.

Religion

Kapil Sangwan follows Hinduism.

Address

RZ­81, B­Block, Nanda Enclave, Najafgarh, Delhi.

Underworld

Joining the Underworld

According to Kapil Sangwan’s Facebook profile, he joined the Underworld in 2016. Kapil became known for extorting money from local businessmen in Southwest Delhi and became a rival to the feared criminal Manjeet Mahal. Kapil was on the run from the law until Rajasthan Police arrested him after a shootout and was sent to jail in 2016.

Fleeing the Country

In 2019, Kapil Sangwan was released on parole for a month. During his parole, Kapil’s associates threw a big party at a farmhouse on government property in Najafgarh, inviting criminals from Southwest Delhi and Haryana. However, before Kapil arrived, the Crime Branch raided the party and arrested 22 gang members. Later, after his parole ended, Kapil did not show up and went missing. According to a senior officer on duty, his family members were also not informed of his whereabouts. The officer said,

Kapil didn’t turn up at the party and went underground even after his parole ended. When police checked with his family members, they found he was missing.”

In 2020, Kapil fled from India to London on a fake passport. From there, he started running a criminal network in India. ^[1]One India

Nafe Singh Rathode Murder Case

On 25 February 2024, an Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Nafe Singh Rathi, was murdered near Bahadurgarh railway crossing in Jhajjar. The incident occurred when the car of INLD state president and former MLA Nafe Singh Rathi was halted at a block. At that moment, unidentified individuals in an i10 car fired at him, resulting in his death.

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Nafe Singh Rathi

The next day i.e. 26 February 2024, Kapil Sangwan through an Instagram post took the fool responsibility for the incident. He claimed that it was his men who carried out the mission and also said that if the police had done their work properly he would not have taken this action. His post read,

Ram ram sare bhaiyo ko Jo iss sunday ko Nafe Singh rathee ka murder hua hai wo maine kerwaya hai. Iski wajhe Nafe or Manjeet Mahal ki gheri dosti hai. Manjeet mahal ke bhai sanjay ke sath property kabza kerne ka kaam kerta tha jo bhi mera dushman ke sath hath milaya ga uska anjam yhi hoga. Mera jija or mera dosto ke murder mai isne mahal ko support kiya tha. Inki dosti ka mai sath mai photo daal rha hu. Jo bhi mera dushmano ko support keraga mai uske dushmano ko support kerunga or puri 50 goliya uska intzar keragi. Nafe Singh rathee ne power mai hoker jitne logo ki hatya or property kabza keri pura bahadurgarh ko pta hai lakin koi kuch nhi bool paya iski power mai hone ki wajha sa. Ye jo police itni active hai mera jija or dosto ke murder per itni active hoti tho mujhe crime kerne ki jarurat nhi padhti. Kapil sangwan nandu.”

After his confession on social media, Delhi police asked CBI’s Interpol branch to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against Kapil Sangwan. ^[2]The Times of India

Facts/Trivia

• Kapil Sangwan is popularly known by his other name Nandu. His other nickname is Gangster Devil.

• Kapil Sangwan is also the director of a construction company based in Hissar named Sangwan Brothers and Associates.

• Kapil is often seen smoking Hookah.
  

  Kapil Sangwan smoking Hookah

   

• Kapil Sangwan often uploads pictures of himself consuming alcohol on social media.
  

  Kapil Sangwan drinking beer

Lakshi

Sukha Duneke (1983-2023) was an Indian Canadian gangster and Khalistani terrorist who was allegedly involved in helping Davinder Bambiha’s gang in various criminal activities. He was shot dead in Canada in September 2023.

Wiki/Biography

Sukha Duneke aka Sukhdool Singh Gill ^[1]The Times of India aka Sukhwinder Singh aka Sukh Singh ^[2]The Times of India was born on Monday, 26 December 1983 (age 39 years; at the time of death) in Duneke Kalan village in the Moga district of Punjab, India. His zodiac sign is Capricorn. He studied at the government school in his village. He later got a job as a peon at the Moga deputy commissioner’s office on compassionate ground as his father died in 1990.

Sukha Duneke (centre) while working as a peon

While working there, he became a drug addict and later got involved in criminal activities.

Sukha Duneke (left) when he was living in India

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Weight (approx.): 70 kg

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

He belonged to a middle-class Punjabi family.

Parents & Siblings

His father, Gurnaib Singh, died in 1990. He had an elder brother named Sukhchain Singh and a younger brother named Maninder Singh Gill. He had two sisters who also lived in Canada.

Sukha Duneke with his daughter

Wife & Children

He is survived by his daughter.

Other Relatives

He had a maternal uncle named Gurmail Singh Gill who died in July 2018.

Sukha Duneke’s maternal uncle, Gurmail Singh Gill

Religion

He followed Sikhism.

Career

Gangster

After working as a peon for a few years in his late teenage years, he started committing crimes and went to jail on many occasions.

Sukha Duneke (left) when he was out on bail

In 2017, he fled to Canada from India on a passport made using forged documents. An FIR was registered against two policemen named ASI Prabhdyal Singh and head constable Gurwinder Singh under Sections 420, 467 and 468 of the IPC and Sections 10(3)(B) and 10(3)(E) of the Indian Passport Act in June 2022. ^[3]The Times of India

Sukha Duneke wielding a rifle

His name also came up as one of the masterminds in the murder of the Kabaddi player Sandeep Singh aka Sandeep Nangal Ambia on 14 March 2022 in Mallian village in Jalandhar. ^[4]The Times of India He was also considered a close associate of the gangster Arshdeep Singh aka Arsh Dalla.

Sukha Duneke in Canada

He was associated with the Davinder Bambiha gang and also helped Khalistani terrorists. More than 30 cases were registered against him related to murder, extortion, and gang-related activities in Punjab and its neighbouring states before his death. One day before he was killed, his name was included in the list of Most Wanted Terrorists released by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Sukha Duneke aka Sukhdool Singh (numbered 33) in the NIA’s Wanted Terrorists list

Death

Sukha Duneke was shot dead, at the age of 39 years, by unknown killers in a gang-related rivalry on the morning of 20 September 2023 around 10 am at his home in the 200 block of Hazelton Drive in Winnipeg, Canada. ^[5]Winnipeg Police Notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang wrote on Facebook that they avenged the deaths of Gurlal Brar, Vicky Middukhera, and Sandeep Nangal Ambia by killing him. They also wrote that Sukha Duneke was a heroin addict, and his killing was a result of his own actions.

Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s alleged Facebook post taking responsibility for Sukha Duneke murder

Amit

Khan Mubarak (1978-2023) was an Indian gangster and close aide of underworld kingpin Chhota Rajan. His sphere of influence extended across several regions including Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Ambedkar Nagar, and Faizabad. Khan died of dehydration during his treatment at the Hardoi district hospital in 2023; his demise resulted from complications arising from a lung infection and pneumonia. ^[1]Hindustan Times ^[2]The Times of India

Wiki/Biography

Khan Mubarak was born in 1978 (age 45 years; at the time of death) in Harsamhar village in Ambedkar Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh. He held a master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

There is not much information about Khan Mubarak’s parents; however, he is survived by two siblings. He has an elder brother named Zafar Supari (also known as Khan Zafar), who is a gangster, and a sister named Sabna alias Sabbo.

Wife

Khan Mubarak was married to Mumtaz.

Criminal Activities

Khan Mubarak’s Dark Descents 

Khan Mubarak stepped into the world of crime during his tenure at the University of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. His first major act was during a cricket match where, after being declared out, he shot the umpire. His elder brother, Zafar Supari, played a significant role in leading Mubarak down this path. At the age of 15, Zafar entered the realm of crime and later built a relationship with the notorious underworld figure Chhota Rajan. Encouraged by his brother, Mubarak began working under Rajan’s auspices. Chhota Rajan’s chief adversary was Munna Bajrangi, an Indian politician and a known contract killer and a gang leader from Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In 2006, under Rajan’s directive, Mubarak planned a heist on a post office in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. His plot was disrupted by a vigilant security guard who retaliated with gunfire. Despite this, Mubarak managed to return fire and make his getaway. Tensions flared between Mubarak and Bajrangi when Mubarak demanded an extortion payment of Rs. 25 lacs from a physician close to Bajrangi. This sparked a violent gang war between the two. Following this, police increased their scrutiny, compelling Mubarak to relocate to Mumbai, where he found shelter with his brother Zafar Supari. ^[3]The Lallantop – YouTube

2006 Kala Ghoda Shootout

Khan Mubarak was later named in the sensational 2006 Kala Ghoda shootout in Mumbai. The incident revolved around drug dealers Amjad Khan and Himanshu Chaudhary, who were involved with Chhota Rajan, a prominent underworld figure. Initially, they borrowed Rs. 50 lacs from Ahjaz Pathan, a close associate of Chhota Rajan, but later returned the money and joined forces with Dawood Ibrahim, a rival of Rajan. Subsequently, Amjad Khan and Himanshu Chaudhary were apprehended by the police in connection with a case. Seeking revenge, Pathan implored Chhota Rajan to eliminate them. Rajan, in turn, entrusted this task to his close associates Zafar Supari and Rajesh Yadav, who were joined by Khan Mubarak. On 16 October 2006, Khan Mubarak and other shooters launched an attack on the van carrying Amjad Khan and Himanshu Chaudhary to a court hearing in the Kala Ghoda area. According to sources, this incident, known as the ‘Kala Ghoda shootout,’ involved individuals such as Bachcha Paasi, Osama Khan, Nikaal Kumar, Neeraj Valmiki, Zafar Supari, and Khan Mubarak. ^[4]The Lallantop – YouTube

Arrests and Other Cases

The first FIR registered against Khan Mubarak was of murder in Andheri Police Station, Mumbai. He was first arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) in 2007 following his involvement in a cash van robbery in Allahabad (now known as Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. This incident was held on 15 May 2007, and it led to the death of two guards and two assailants, Saurav Sinha, and Vinayranjan Gupta. During the investigation regarding the cash van robbery, Khan confessed to his involvement in the Kala Ghoda shootout case. In 2011, Chhota Rajan’s accomplice Osama Khan, whose head had a bounty of Rs. 5 lacs, was ruthlessly eliminated. According to sources, Osama had shifted his allegiance to Dawood Ibrahim’s gang, prompting Rajan to order Zafar Supari to plan Osama’s downfall. Supari, however, delegated the task to Khan Mubarak, who was lodged in the Naini Central Jail in Uttar Pradesh. From behind bars, Khan Mubarak masterminded Osama’s demise, entrusting Rajesh Yadav with the lethal act. After spending five years in Naini Jail, Khan was released in 2012. Mubarak wasted no time returning to his illicit activities. He established an extortion and ransom racket in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar. In the same year, he killed Ainuddin, a brick merchant who defied his demands. In 2014, Mubarak seized a piece of land by murdering its owner, a property dealer named Mohan Yadav. In 2016, he got his own shooter Sheru Alam killed. Despite several run-ins with the law, Mubarak always seemed to slip through the cracks. It is reported that in 2016, Mubarak plotted to assassinate the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Jugram Mehndi, although Mehndi survived the attempt. This incident, however, led to the arrest of Khan Mubarak by Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force (STF) from Lucknow in 2017. Yet, according to sources, Mubarak managed to execute a successful plan to kill Jugram from his prison cell the following year, i.e., 2018. ^[5]The Lallantop – YouTube On 2 June 2022, he was brought to Hardoi Jail from Maharajganj Central Jail. ^[6]Hindustan Times Mubarak was figured in the list of 31 mafiosi and gangsters of Uttar Pradesh. His influence was widespread, encompassing various regions including Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar, with 31 cases, and Allahabad (now Prayagraj), with 6 cases; he was also facing three cases in Mumbai.

Death

Khan Mubarak died at the Hardoi district hospital on 13 June 2023. According to officials, he was suffering from a lung infection and pneumonia while he was lodged in Hardoi Jail, Uttar Pradesh. Despite receiving initial treatment in the jail hospital, his condition necessitated a transfer to the district hospital for more comprehensive care. ^[7]Hindustan Times

Facts/Trivia

• Khan Mubarak was tech-savvy and anglophile. He had a profound love for firearms. According to officials, Khan had 15 types of pistols and could fire with both hands at a time. ^[8]The Times of India
  

  Khan Mubarak posing with a gun

• Reportedly, he was one of the first criminals who used virtual numbers, primarily sourced from West Asia, to carry out extortion calls targeting businessmen and doctors. ^[9]The Times of India

• In 2017, Khan’s video went viral in which he could be seen shooting an empty bottle placed on the head of a trader named Baju Khan, who had been vocal about opposing Khan’s criminal pursuits and had urged fellow traders to refrain from paying him extortion money.

• In 2018, a video featuring Khan Mubarak from the Faizabad jail caught nationwide attention. In the footage, Mubarak claimed he was being singled out and antagonized by the police force. He further said that any harm befalling him would lead to severe repercussions for the country’s military and law enforcement officials.

• In addition to Khan’s involvement in various crimes, his family members were also caught engaging in criminal activities. In 2022, his sister and niece were apprehended by the Tanda Kotwali police. Authorities revealed that Khan’s niece and sister were responsible for overseeing the financial operations of Khan Mubarak’s gang. They facilitated transactions and aided Khan’s associates through digital payment systems. ^[10]ETV Bharat
  

  Khan Mubarak’s sister and niece arrested by the Tanda Kotwali police (2022)

• On 13 July 2022, the property of Khan’s brother-in-law was destroyed by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Chandni

Vijay Yadav is an Indian gangster and sharpshooter who is infamous for killing Sanjeev Jeeva, an Indian gangster in broad daylight at Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh Court in Uttar Pradesh on 6 June 2023.

Wiki/Biography

Vijay Yadav aka Anand Yadav ^[1]Amar Ujala was born on Monday, 10 August 1998 (age 25 years; as of 2023) in Kerakat, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Leo. His ancestors are from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. In 2012, he cleared his class 10 examination from the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Uttar Pradesh.

Vijay Yadav’s High School marksheet

In 2014, he did class 12 at a school in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Later, he pursued BCom at Mohammad Hasan Post Graduate College, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. ^[2]Amar Ujala

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father, Sama Yadav, owned a sweets shop. His mother’s name is Nirmala Devi. His elder brother, Swatantra Yadav, works in a private firm in Delhi. His younger brothers, Satyam Yadav and Sundaram Yadav, are school students.

A picture of Vijay Yadav’s father

A picture of Vijay Yadav’s mother

Vijay Yadav’s brother Satyam

Wife

Vijay Yadav is unmarried.

Career

After the coronavirus lockdown was lifted in India, Vijay moved to Mumbai to work at Tata Pipes company. According to his family, he was not happy with his job there, and in May 2023, he returned to his village. He then started searching for a job in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Criminal History

According to sources, Vijay Yadav does not have a long criminal history. His name was involved in only two cases which were:

Abduction of a Teenage Girl

Vijay’s father, Sama Yadav, used to own a sweet shop in Deogaon, Azamgarh. Vijay would often go to the shop and help. One day, while he was at the shop, he met a teenage girl. Initially, they became friends and soon, started developing feelings for each other. On 10 July 2016, Vijay and the teenage girl decided to run away from their homes. Vijay’s family came to know about it on 25 July 2016 when their neighbours informed them that the shutters of their sweet shop had been closed for a few days. Since Vijay’s family was occupied with his elder brother’s wedding, they assumed that Vijay was taking care of the shop. However, when they arrived at the shop, they discovered that Vijay was missing. The girl’s family had already filed a complaint against Vijay under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Deogaon Police Station in Azamgarh. Vijay was later arrested and sent to jail. However, the case was resolved outside of court with the involvement of the girl’s family. ^[3]Amar Ujala

Violation of COVID-19 Guidelines

Another case was filed against him in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. A case was filed against him under the Epidemic Act at Kerakat Kotwali in Jaunpur, for violating the COVID-19 guidelines.

Shootout of Sanjeev Jeeva

On 7 June 2023, the Indian gangster Sanjeev Jeeva, who was a close aide of the Indian politician and gangster Mukhtar Ansari was shot and killed by unidentified attackers inside the SC/ST court in Lucknow. The attackers were dressed as lawyers.

Sanjeev Jeeva

During the attack, two police constables; Kamlesh and Lal Mohammad, a six-year-old girl, and an 18-month-old baby were also injured. Later, during the investigation, the local police found out that one of the assailants was Vijay Yadav, who entered the courtroom along with Sanjeev. Seizing the opportunity, Vijay swiftly pulled out a revolver concealed within his coat and fired at Jeeva from behind. Vijay’s attack was precise, leaving Jeeva no time to react, and resulting in his immediate death. Following the assault, Vijay attempted to flee by running out of the courtroom, but the lawyers present apprehended him and began to physically assault him. It took considerable effort for the police to rescue Vijay from the violent situation. Immediately after the attack, Vijay was taken into police custody.

Vijay Yadav on being arrested by the local police

Facts/Trivia

• On 10 May 2023, Vijay returned to his village from Mumbai to attend his cousin’s wedding. On 11 May 2023, he went to Lucknow in search of work, and then he called his father, Sama Yadav, to inform him that he had found a job in a company for water pipeline installation. Vijay said that he would work in Lucknow. After that, he did not contact his family.

• After the arrest of Vijay in June 2023, while having a media conversation, his mother said that she received a phone call from Vijay on 15 May when she was at her parents’ house. After that, his mobile phone was switched off. He did not have a criminal tendency. The thought of such an incident is horrifying. She further said that he used to earn well in Mumbai. He would also send money home for expenses, but ever since he went to Lucknow, he hasn’t sent a single rupee.

• According to his brother’s statement to the media,
  

  When we asked the father what he had said, he told us that Vijay had returned home in March. He told everyone at home that he was earning less money in Mumbai. He wasn’t receiving his salary on time. That’s why he was going to Lucknow to find work. After that, he went to Lucknow on March 22. Vijay told us that he was working for a company involved in water pipeline installation there.”

Sheena Bhardwaj

Senior Content Writer with 6+ years of experience in website content writing. Specialises in creating engaging, user-focused content that helps brands communicate effectively and grow their online presence.

Sanjeev Jeeva was an Indian gangster who was killed in broad daylight at Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh court in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, 6 June 2023. ^[1]The Times of India He was suspected to have connections with the murder of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi. He was a close aide of Indian gangster and politician Mukhtar Ansari.

Wiki/Biography

Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Sanjeev Jeeva was born in 1975 (age 48 years; at the time of death) in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Before entering the world of crime, he used to work as a compounder in a dispensary in Muzaffarnagar.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Weight (approx.): 65 kgs

Hair Colour: Dark Brown

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Body Measurements (approx.): Chest: 44 inches; Waist: 32 inches; Bicpes: 14 inches

Family

Parents & Siblings

Sanjeev Jeeva’s parents were Om Prakash Maheshwari and Kuntai Maheshwari.

Wife & Children

Sanjeev Jeeva was married to Payal, Maheshwari. They have three sons and one daughter.

Sanjeev Jeeva’s wife Payal Maheshwari

Criminal Activities

Abduction, Ransom, Robbery, and Fraud: The Rise of Sanjeev Jeeva

Sanjeev Maheshwari alias “Jeeva” had prior experience working as a compounder at a dispensary in the 1990s. At that time, he abducted the owner of the dispensary and requested a significant amount of money as ransom. Following this incident, he proceeded to engage in various additional criminal activities that lead to the rise of Sanjeev Jeeva’s name in the world of gangsters. Later on, he was involved in the kidnapping of the son of a Kolkatta-based businessman and asked for 2 crores in ransom. He also became a member so several gangs like the Nazim gang of Haridwar, Satendra Barnala gang, and many more. He and his criminal gang were engaged in acts of murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, loot, and fraud. More than 24 police cases are registered against Sanjeev Jeeva in Uttar Pradesh police stations in areas like Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Gazipur, Farrukhabad, and Hardwar. More than 22 times, police have filed cases against Sanjeev Jeeva under the Gangster Act 1986. Not only this but his property worth more than 4 crores was also confiscated under the various provisions of the Act.

A conviction for the murder of BJP Leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi

Brahm Dutt Dwivedi

Brahm Dutt Dwivedi, who was a BJP MLA from Farrukhabad, was murdered on February 10, 1997. According to his son, Sunil Dutt, in an interview in 2017, his father was assassinated while sitting in his car after attending a tilak ceremony in the City Kotwali area of Farrukhabad district. The attack resulted in the death of his security guard BK Tiwari and injuries to his driver Rinku. On July 17, 2003, the CBI court in Lucknow sentenced Sanjeev Jeeva and former Samajwadi Party MLA Vijay Singh to life imprisonment for their involvement in the case. Both individuals appealed the verdict in the High Court. In 2017, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad HC upheld the decision of the trial court. ^[2]Bar and BenchAs a consequence of the murder, Jeeva developed a close association with another well-known gangster, Munna Bajrangi. Subsequently, in 2005, both Bajrangi and Jeeva were accused by the police of being involved in the killing of six individuals including the BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai from Ghazipur.

Closeness with Mukhtar Ansari

Mukhtar Ansari

According to several reports, Sanjeev Jeeva was a close aide of Mukhtar Ansari. ^[3]The Times of India On 29 November 2005, BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai was killed in a mafia-style. It was said that the murder of Rai was a result of the defeat faced by Afzal Ansari in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections when Rai emerged as the winner in 2002. The names which were said to be involved in the murder of Krishnanand Rai were Mukhtar Ansari, Afzal Ansari, Munna Bajrangi, and Sajeev Jeeva. However, all the accused were acquitted by the Delhi court in 2019.

Acquittance for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai 

Krishnanand Rai

In 2019, Maheshwari, along with co-accused Mukhtar Ansari and his brother Afzal Ansari, was acquitted by the Delhi court for the murder of the BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai and six others. The results came due to the lack of cooperation from the eyewitnesses as they turned hostile during the proceedings. Krishnanand Rai, who was an MLA of Mohammadabad, had emerged victorious over Afzal Ansari in the 2002 Assembly elections. On 29 November 2005, Rai and six others were tragically killed when a group of individuals armed with automatic and semi-automatic weapons blocked their vehicle and opened fire on them.

The murder of Businessman Amit Dixit

Jeeva was additionally charged in the murder case of businessman Amit Dixit, also known as Goldie, in 2017. After a thorough investigation, the court handed him and three other individuals life sentences. Consequently, Jeeva has been lodged in Lucknow jail. However, there are allegations that he continued to operate the activities of his gang even while behind bars. His gang reportedly consists of over 35 members.

The rivalry between Jeeva and Mooch 

Sushil Mooch

When Sanjeev Jeeva and Munna Bajrangi were locked up in jail, they maintained their focus on the various properties in Western Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand. Their over-involvement and interest in these properties didn’t go well with the gangster Sushil Mooch, leading to a rivalry between both gangs. The clash between both parties grew more over a valuable property near the transport station in Haridwar, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Death

In 2021, Payal Maheshwari, the wife of Sanjeev Jeeva had written a letter to the then Chief Justice of India for asking protection for her husband Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva as she feared that Jeeva’s life was in danger. ^[4]NBT Times However, her fear came true on Wednesday, 7 June 2023, when Sanjeev Jeeva was reportedly shot and killed by unidentified attackers inside the SC/ST court in Lucknow. ^[5]Bar and Bench During the attack, two police constables; Kamlesh and Lal Mohammad, a six-year-old girl, and an 18-month-old baby were also injured. The police have managed to apprehend one of the assailants, identified as Vijay Yadav, and he is currently being interrogated as part of the investigation.

According to the reports, Jeeva was called to Lucknow court for the hearing of the case when the unidentified attackers, dressed as lawyers, opened fire at Jeeva.

Facts/Trivia

• In the year 2022, Sanjeev Jeeva was caught by Uttar Pradesh police with the possession of an AK-47 rifle and approximately 1300 cartridges. ^[6]The Times of India

• Sanjeev Jeeva was completely shocked by the killing of Munna Bajrangi in the Baghpat Jail district, Uttar Pradesh in 2018. He aspired to take a powerful position and become a don. He become a threat to many even when he was imprisoned. Reportedly, he used to operate the activities of his gang while behind bars.

• The government has recently seized approximately 8 bighas (around 5 acres) of land belonging to Sanjeev Jeeva and his wife Payal Maheshwari. The land, located in Thana Adarsh Mandi and Sadar Kotwali, was divided into two portions. The estimated value of the land was reported to be around Rs. 1.86 crore. According to Amarujala, the wheat crop grown on the farm was auctioned for Rs. 9,000, and the proceeds were deposited into the government’s account. Sanjeev Jeeva, his wife, and their children were listed as the owners of 21 bighas of land in the Adampur village. He had purchased this estate in the names of his wife and sons.

• In the 2017 assembly elections, Payal, the wife of Sanjeev Jeeva, was a candidate for the ticket of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Unfortunately, she faced defeat in the election.

• Sanjeev Jeeva was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Brahm Dutt Dwivedi, but he was acquitted in several other cases. ^[7]Bar and Bench

• At the time of his shooting inside the Lucknow court on 6 June 2023, the trial for three cases against him was still pending.

Anmol

Anil Dujana was an Indian gangster who was killed in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force (STF) in Meerut in 2023. He was one of the most wanted criminals in Uttar Pradesh.

Wiki/Biography

Anil Dujana was born as Anil Nagar in 1980 (age 43 years; at the time of death) in Dujana village in Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Anil Dujana belonged to a Gurjar family.

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Chatar Singh Nagar (also known as Chatru). He passed away on 21 June 2018.

Anil Dujana’s father, Chatar Singh Nagar

Anil Dujana had five brothers named Jai Bhagwan Singh Nagar (also spelt as Jaibhagwan Singh Nagar) (deceased), Mainpal Singh Nagar, Bhopal Singh Nagar, Ompal Singh Nagar, and Ajay Singh Nagar, and a sister.

Wife & Children

Anil Dujana got married to Pooja on 16 February 2021 at Surajpur Court in Uttar Pradesh. Though he was present at the court for a hearing, the court granted approval for the ceremony to take place. ^[1]ThePrint

Anil Dujana’s widow, Pooja

Anil Dujana is survived by a daughter. ^[2]The Times of India

Relationships/Affairs

Reportedly, Anil Dujana dated Pooja before getting married to her in 2019. ^[3]ThePrint

Feuds, Crime, and Turmoil: The Rise of Anil Dujana

Sundar Bhati (also spelt as Sunder Bhati) and Naresh Bhati led the notorious Bhati gang in Uttar Pradesh. Their relationship soured after Naresh defeated Sundar in a district panchayat election. Anil Dujana, once an accomplice of infamous Uttar Pradesh criminal Sundar Bhati, began his criminal career by working for Bhati’s illegal operations. Initially, Dujana was not well-known, but he sought to gain notoriety by committing crimes under Sundar Bhati’s name.

Sundar Bhati

In the early 2000s, Dujana managed a large-scale iron extortion racket, sand mining, and money recovery from disputed properties in Ghaziabad for Bhati; however, a disagreement over illicit business eventually led to their separation. Dujana then aligned himself with Naresh Bhati’s gang. Starting as a novice, he worked his way up, participating in robberies and extortions targeting wealthy individuals and businesses.

Naresh Bhati

On March 24, 2004, Sundar Bhati’s gang murdered Naresh Bhati in retribution for his electoral defeat, inciting Naresh’s brother Randeep and nephew Amit Kasana to seek revenge. Dujana joined their quest, and in November 2011, they tried to assassinate Sundar Bhati at his brother-in-law’s wedding using an AK-47. Despite killing three people, Bhati escaped. Subsequently, Anil Dujana took over Naresh Bhati’s gang. In retaliation, Sundar Bhati’s gang attacked Dujana’s home in 2014, killing his brother Jai Bhagwan. Dujana responded by orchestrating the murder of one of Bhati’s hitmen, Rahul. This ongoing feud between Sundar Bhati and Dujana led to widespread unrest in Western Uttar Pradesh. Over time, Dujana became a central figure in numerous criminal cases, facing charges of murder, contract killing, rioting, dacoity, robbery, and extortion. He was listed as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most wanted criminals in the Gautam Buddha Nagar Commissionerate.

Politics, Cases, and Arrest

Reportedly, at the age of 22, Dujana was first implicated in a murder case at Kavi Nagar Police Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, followed by additional charges for dacoity, attempted murder, and arms violations in 2002. According to some sources, Dujana was arrested in January 2012 for a triple murder case following which he continued to operate his gang with the help of Randeep and Kasana. In the same year, he was arrested for his connection in the murder of a trader from Muzaffarnagar named Sanjay Tyagi and was lodged in Muzaffarnagar jail. Dujana was shifted to Uttar Pradesh’s Banda Jail after his name cropped up in the sensational murder of the BJP leader Vijay Pandit in 2014. Anil Dujana, despite his criminal background, enjoyed significant backing from his village and nearby communities. In 2016, he contested and won the panchayat elections as an independent candidate while he was confined in Banda Jail; Dujana won by a substantial margin of over 10,000 votes, defeating his sole opponent, Sangram Singh, who is said to have campaigned while wearing a bulletproof jacket.

Anil Dujana’s 2016 panchayat election poster

After serving three years of imprisonment at Banda Jail, he was transferred to Maharajganj Central Jail in Uttar Pradesh on the state government’s order. He was later moved to Mandoli Jail in Delhi based on a B warrant, which allows police to question an accused held in a different state’s jail. In February 2021, Dujana was released on bail on various cases from the Mandoli Jail. Over time, Dujana’s criminal activities became a threat to the state, prompting Bulandshahr police to announce a reward of Rs. 25,000 for his capture, while Noida police offered a reward of Rs. 50,000. In January 2022, the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Anil in the Mandawali area of New Delhi, acting on a tip that he was planning a murder in the same area. On 18 April 2023, Dujana was released on bail from Tihar Jail, Delhi in a case, and he reportedly began threatening individuals who had previously testified against him. ^[4]ThePrint

Death

Anil Dujana was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on 4 April 2023 near Ganga Nagar in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. According to sources, he was on his way to meet his gang members when he was surrounded by the STF team. The team claimed that he was planning a “big operation” and started firing when they asked him to surrender. As a result, he was killed in the retaliatory firing. After the encounter, about 60 cartridges, a 9 mm gun, a country-made pistol, and another pistol were recovered from Anil Dujana. Uttar Pradesh Police Additional Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar, at a press meet, said,

According to reports, a criminal named Anil Dujana, who was recently released from prison, was travelling from Baghpat to Muzaffarnagar to meet his associates. An STF was deployed on the spot based on this information. When both parties came face-to-face, Anil Dujana changed his route and his car collided with a pole. Anil and his gang fired around 15 to 20 shots. The STF too returned fire, leading to a gunfight and the miscreant’s death.”

Police officials at Anil Dujana’s encounter spot in Uttar Pradesh

Did Dujana Intend to Surrender?

Anil Dujana’s lawyer, Jitendra Nagar, in an interview, alleged that following Dujana’s release from Mandoli Jail in Delhi in February 2021, the Surajpur and Dadri police in Uttar Pradesh lodged two false cases against him. Nagar went on to explain that on 4 May 2023, Dujana headed to Karkardooma court in Delhi, informing his legal team that he planned to return by 2 pm and instructing them to submit a surrender application at the Surajpur court in Uttar Pradesh. According to Nagar, Anil was prepared to turn himself in at Surajpur court in Gautam Buddha Nagar on 5 May 2023; however, he was apprehended by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force unit outside Karkardooma court in Delhi and later reported to have been killed in a police encounter in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. ^[5]ThePrint Jitendra Nagar, in the interview, said,

He (Dujana) was set to surrender in Gautam Budh Nagar’s Surajpur court on Friday. Today, he was in Karkardooma court and had asked his lawyers to file a surrender application there as well. When he came out of Karkardooma court, he was picked up by the Meerut STF and shown to be killed in an encounter. Today, Dujana had gone to the Karkardooma court and told his lawyers that he would return by 2 pm. He had also told his lawyers to file a surrender application in that court on his behalf. He was accompanied by two persons, Rakam Singh and Yogesh Ghitora, who have been detained by the STF. He had already filed a surrender application in the Surajpur court, which was set to come up on Friday.”

Facts/Trivia

• Anil Dujana was referred to as ‘Chhota Shakeel’ of Western Uttar Pradesh.

• He also goes by the name Anil Singh.

• Anil Dujana’s sphere of influence extended across several regions including Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR), and Haryana.

• His name cropped up in many criminal cases even when he was serving his imprisonment in different jails.

• Reportedly, Anil was a contract killer and had more than 18 murder cases filed against him.

• In addition to Anil Dujana’s involvement in various crimes, his family members were also caught engaging in criminal activities. In 2016, the police arrested some of his relatives for possessing illegal firearms. ^[6]Hindustan Times
  

  Police arrested Anil Dujana’s relatives for illegal possession of arms in 2016

Chandni

Anmol Bishnoi is an Indian boxer and gangster who is accused in the Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala murder case; he is one of the absconders in the case.

Wiki/Biography

Anmol Bishnoi was born in 1999 (age 25 years; as of 2024) in Duttaranwali village (also spelt as Dotaranwali and Dutaravali) in Abohar tehsil of Firozpur district in Punjab, India. After studying at Sachkhand Convent School in Abohar, he took up admission to a college in Mount Abu, Rajasthan; however, he dropped out after a short period to join his brother’s Bishnoi gang. ^[1]The Hindu

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Lavinder Singh (also called Lavinder Bishnoi), and his mother’s name is Sunita Bishnoi. His father reportedly joined the Haryana Police Department as a constable, but he left the post after some time; however, some sources claim that he never joined the police department and worked only as a zamindar. ^[2]The Tribune – YouTube Anmol’s mother, on the other hand, is a homemaker. In 2018, she filed nomination papers for the Sarpanch elections; however, she later stepped down after a candidate named Surinder Bhagria also filed nomination papers as she wanted to contest the elections unanimously. ^[3]The Indian Express Anmol has an elder brother named Lawrence Bishnoi, who is known for being involved in the killing of the popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.

Anmol Bishnoi (left) with his brother, Lawrence Bishnoi (right)

Wife 

Anmol Bishnoi is unmarried.

Other Relatives

Sachin Bishnoi (also known as Sachin Thapan Bishnoi and Sachin Thapan) is the nephew of Anmol Bishnoi.

Anmol Bishnoi’s nephew Sachin Bishnoi

Caste

Anmol Bishnoi belongs to the Bishnoi community.

Criminal Activities

Forming an Inter-State Gang

Reportedly, following the arrest of Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates on 5 March 2015 near the India-Pakistan border, Anmol allegedly established a gang consisting of young people from Abohar, Punjab. This group was involved in several armed robberies and extortion cases. In July 2015, Anmol and his accomplices including Sachin Thapan, Ankit Bhadoo, Ankit Jakhar, Arzoo Thalour, Praveen Gogi, and Vikram were apprehended by the Fazilka police. Authorities seized Rs. 1.75 lacs, six homemade .12 bore revolvers, two .315 bore pistols, two .32 bore pistols, a .12-bore DBBL gun, and two motorcycles during the arrest. ^[4]The Tribune

Police personnel displaying recovered weapons in Abohar, Punjab

Suspected Involvement in Ransome Case

In July 2020, Anmol was lodged in a Rajasthan jail due to his suspected involvement in a case where a Muktsar-based mobile phone dealer received a ransom call demanding Rs. 10 lakhs on 4 July 2020. According to Muktsar City SHO Mohan Lal, Anmol was facing 12 criminal cases including murder, attempt to murder and ransom in Rajasthan and Punjab in 2020. ^[5]Hindustan Times

Sidhu Moose Wala Murder Case

On 29 May 2022, Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead in a gun attack by unidentified assailants when he was driving his Thar in the Jawaharke village of Mansa district in Punjab. The unidentified assailants fired 30 rounds at his car; Sidhu was accompanied by his two personal bodyguards, who also got injured in the firing. Sidhu Moose Wala was rushed to the Mansa Civil Hospital, where he was declared brought dead by the doctors. A few hours after his murder, Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi took the responsibility for killing him through a post on social media, which read,

Today, Moosewala was killed in Punjab, I, Sachin Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi take the responsibility. It’s our work. Moosewala’s name surfaced in our brother Vikramjit Singh Middukhera and Gurlal Brar’s murder, but the Punjab Police did not take any action against him. We also came to know that Moosewala was also involved in the encounter of our associate Ankit Bhadu. Moosewala was working against us. Delhi Police had taken his name but Moosewala used his political power and saved his skin each time.”

Goldy Brar’s post on Facebook after Sidhu Moose Wala’s death

According to police officials, Anmol Bishnoi fled from India to Kenya via Nepal and Canada using a fake passport a month before Moose Wala’s murder on 29 May following which a Red Corner Notice was issued by Interpol against him. Sachin Thapan alias Sachin Bishnoi, on the other hand, fled along with Anmol from India to Azerbaijan. ^[6]Hindustan Times Reportedly, Anmol and Sachin fled from India under the fake name of Bhanu Pratap and Tilak Raj respectively. ^[7]The Times of India

Anmol Bishnoi’s passport made on fake particulars

Sachin Thapan’s passport made on fake particulars

In September 2022, Anmol was detained in Kenya, while Sachin was detained in Azerbaijan; the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated this during a weekly media briefing. ^[8]The Tribune

Gunshots outside Salman Khan’s residence

After two unidentified men fired gunshots outside the residence of Salman Khan in Mumbai on 14 April 2024, Anmol Bishoni took responsibility for the attack through a video on social media. ^[9]Hindustan Times

Murder of Baba Siddique

After Baba Siddique, a well-known politician from Maharashtra, was gunned down by three men in Mumbai in October 2024, the Mumbai Police named Anmol in its chargesheet. He was named after the three men, who assassinated Baba, revealed in interrogation that they all were spoken to by Anmol via Snapchat. They also revealed that Anmol provided them with weapons and money to murder Baba. Soon after, the Mumbai Police sent a notice to the law enforcement agencies in the USA, notifying them of Anmol’s presence in their country and demanding his return to India to face the law. He was reportedly taken into custody from California.

Facts/Trivia

• Anmol belongs to an affluent family, owning a commercial plot and three houses in Abohar; however, these properties remain vacant and unattended as there is no one available to take care of them. According to sources, his forefathers possessed hundreds of acres of land in Duttaranwali village. Additionally, his parents own extensive land holdings in Abohar, Jodhpur, and Bikaner, totalling over a hundred acres, which they have leased out since they are unable to work the land themselves.

• His family have a good reputation in the village to the extent that the villagers refuse to disclose their address to visitors who come intending to disturb or interrogate the family.

• In April 2023, Anmol was seen at an event (reception) in the United States, where he was spotted alongside Punjabi singers Karan Aujla and Sharry Mann. Karan Aujla and Mann, however, posted a story on their respective social media handle in which they mentioned that they had no clue about Anmol being at the event until they saw videos of him on social media. They explained that they had been booked to perform at the reception through a mutual friend’s request. Anmol’s carefree attendance at the reception, despite the Interpol Red Corner Notice against him, raised eyebrows and prompted questions about his ability to travel freely. Sidhu Moose Wala’s father reacted to the viral video of Anmol, stating his disappointment at seeing Anmol travelling without restrictions and enjoying the festivities. ^[10]The Quint Sidhu Moose Wala’s father, in an interview, said,
  

  I had read reports that Anmol Bishnoi has been detained. Then how did he reach America? I feel sometimes these updates are given just to fool people.”

Is that Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, standing next to Punjabi singer Karan Aujla? Anmol is fugitive in Sidhu Moosewala murder case. This video is from Bakersfield, California. pic.twitter.com/TKh81Vr7od

— Sandeep Singh (@Punyaabteam) April 19, 2023

Chandni

Guddu Muslim is an Indian bomb maker and property dealer, who was an aide of the Indian gangster Atiq Ahmed. He is one of the accused in the murder of the Indian politician Umesh Pal.

Wiki/Biography

Guddu Muslim was born in 1973 (age 50 years; as of 2023) in Prayagraj, Allahabad. He studied at the University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. ^[1]Amar Ujala

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Guddu belongs to a Muslim family.

Parents & Siblings

He has three elder brothers.

Wife

Guddu is married, and his elder son’s name is Md Abid.

Relationships/Affairs

In 2023, during the investigation of Umesh Pal murder case, UP Police found out that Guddu used to talk to a woman on the phone for long hours. According to the UP Police, the woman was his girlfriend. ^[2]Zee News

Gangster and a Bomb Maker

While he was studying in school, he started getting involved in various criminal activities like robbery and extortion. In his teens, he met a few criminals who taught him how to make bombs. When his parents got to know about his involvement in criminal activities, they decided to shift him to Lucknow to a relative’s house. He continued his studies there, and while he was studying at the University of Lucknow, he met two criminals named Abhay Singh and Dhananjay Singh. He then got involved in various criminal activities in Lucknow along with Abhay And Dhananjay. In 1996, Guddu was involved in the murder of the Indian contractor Santosh Singh. Guddu then moved to Bihar as Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force was behind him in Santosh Singh’s murder case. In March 1997, Guddu made the headlines for murdering a physical education teacher named Fredrick J. Gomes, who was teaching at La Martiniere College in Lucknow. Dhananjay Singh was also involved in the murder. The local police then arrested Guddu Muslim in the murder case of Gomes, Guddu even confessed his crime but was released due to the lack of evidence. Later, a few politicians started taking his help to get tender pools for railways and mobile towers in Lucknow. Guddu then met the Indian criminal Sriprakash Shukla, who assisted Guddu in various criminal activities. Guddu started considering Shukla his guru. After the police encounter of Shukla, Guddu met Parvez Tada, a mafia from Gorakhpur. While working with Parvez, Guddu met the Indian politician and gangster Atiq Ahmed and assisted Atiq in various criminal activities. After the police encounter of Parvez Tada, he became a close aide of Atiq. In 2001, Guddu was arrested by Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force outside Beur jail, Patna in the Santosh Singh murder case. However, Atiq got him bailed.

Atiq Ahmed

Some sources claimed that Guddu has a connection with Pakistan’s ISI. Once, a few weapons made in Pakistan were also recovered from Guddu. In an interview, retired CO of the Police Department Shivpujan Yadav talked about Guddu Muslim. He said,

I was in Gorakhpur Police Department in 90’s to 2000’s. At that time Guddu Muslim’s name came up in many big incidents. At that time its location was always available on the Nepal border. After executing any incident, Guddu used to run away to Nepal and take shelter there.”

In 2005, Guddu was involved in the murder of MLA Raju Pal. Initially, his name was not included in the murder case. His name was attached to the case in 2007 when Mayawati‘s government came into power and the case was reopened. The name of six shooters including Guddu was included in the murder case of Raju Pal. On 28 February 2006, Atiq Ahmed’s goons including Guddu Muslim abducted Umesh (an Indian politician and witness in the Raju Pal murder case) and threatened him not to bear witness in court following which Umesh filed an FIR at Dhoomanganj Police Station in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) against Atiq and Atiq’s brother Ashraf Ahmed. A Prayagraj court found Atiq Ahmed, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty of kidnapping Umesh Pal in 2006 on 28 March 2023; special MP-MLA court judge Dinesh Chandra Shukla found them guilty under section 364-A of the Indian Penal Code (kidnapping or abduction for murder). The court, however, found seven individuals, including Atiq Ahmed’s brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf, not guilty. On 27 March 2023, the Uttar Pradesh police transported Atiq Ahmed from a Gujarat prison to Prayagraj after a 24-hour road trip. On 24 February 2023, Umesh Pal was shot dead by armed men, identified as the goons of Atiq Ahmed, near his house in Dhoomanganj’s Sulem Saray locality. According to reports, assailants including Guddu Muslim hurled crude bombs at Umesh Pal and fired several rounds of ammunition.

Guddu Muslim throwing bomb during an attack on Umesh Pal

The local police announced a reward of ₹5 lakh on Guddu Muslim. He absconded and fled from West Bengal to Bihar, Gujarat, and Delhi. The local police then placed a show-cause notice at his home in Pryagraj.

Guddu Muslim’s home

According to UP Police, after Umesh Pal’s murder, Guddu took shelter at Satish Pandey’s (a resident of Jhansi) home. However, Satish’s wife denied the claims. On 15 April 2023, a few seconds before Atiq Ahmed was shot dead by three men at the premises of MLN Medical College, Prayagraj Atiq was talking to the media persons. Atiq’s last words while talking to them were,

Main baat ye hai ki Guddu Muslim.”

However, before completing this sentence, Atiq was shot dead.

Facts/Trivia

• For his skills in making bombs, he is known as Guddu Bambaj ^[3]Patrika. In an interview, a police officer shared that he used to carry explosive bomb powder in his pocket and within a few minutes, he used to make a bomb.

• He owns a chicken shop which is named after his son.

• Atiq Ahmed once gave Rs 8 lakh to Guddu for his medical treatment and to return his favour, Guddu used to assist Atiq in various criminal activities.

Sheena Bhardwaj

Senior Content Writer with 6+ years of experience in website content writing. Specialises in creating engaging, user-focused content that helps brands communicate effectively and grow their online presence.

Shiva Kumar aka Boot House Kumar aka Oil Kumar (1951-1990) was a Bengaluru Underworld Don in the 1980s who ran an illegal oil distribution and racketeering business and a film distribution business.

Wiki/Biography

Shiva Kumar was born in 1951 (age 39 years; at the time of death) in Akkipet in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was not interested in his studies and dropped out of school. During his youth, he used to roam around with his friends and did small illegal acts like betting and gambling. His elder brother managed his family’s shoe shop until he died in 1975 due to a heart attack after which Shiva Kumar started managing the shop and named it American Boot House. He was given the nickname ‘Boot House’ Kumar due to his shop.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 9″

Weight (approx.): 70 kg

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father ran a local shoe shop. He was second among the five brothers.

Wife & Children

His wife’s name was Rita who was a Kannada actress.

Career

Shiva Kumar had a friend named Sampath who illegally stole Diesel from the trucks by stopping the truck midway by threatening truck drivers with a knife. Shiva was impressed by the money Smapath made from his illegal oil business. When Sampath moved to a foreign country, he gave the reigns of his illegal oil business to Shiva Kumar, who devised a plan to steal oil from the trucks by bribing them. Around the same time, industries in Bengaluru were increasing, and they needed Furnace oil (Fuel oil) to function. Shiva Kumar also started stealing furnace oil from the trucks and supplied it to the industries, earning huge profits. He kept the use of violence to a minimum and even bribed the police officials to run his illegal operations smoothly. He also controlled the labour unions in the city and kept his illegal operations a secret. He also ran a film distribution business which mainly distributed Kannada films. When the violent crimes in Bengaluru increased, he joined hands with the underworld don Kotwal Ramachandra. After another Bengaluru underworld don M. P. Jayaraj killed Kotwal Ramachandra, he planned Jayaraj’s revenge murder with another underworld don Muthappa Rai. He later distanced himself from the Bengaluru underworld after the emergence of new dons.

Oil Kumar (right) with a friend

Death

He was killed on 20 November 1990 at his apartment at 13th cross, Sadashivnagar, Bengaluru.

Facts/Trivia

• In 1989, his expenditure was Rs 1 crore per month, and his income was Rs 3 crore per month.

• His network is alleged to be spread to Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Russia.

• His wife Rita did a nude scene in a film. He was so angry that he bought the rights to the film and burnt its reels.

• He kept his identity a secret and presented himself as a businessman to his friends and other people. When he died in 1990, one of his friends for many years was shocked to know that Shiva Kumar was the underworld don Oil Kumar.

Amit

M. P. Jayaraj was an Indian mafia gangster and politician who is known for operating in Banglore in the 1970s and 1980s. He died on 21 November 1989 in an assassination.

Wiki/Biography

Mysore Puttaswamaiah Jayaraj was born in 1944 (age 45 years; at the time of death) in Bangalore. Since childhood, he used to practice wrestling at Annayappa Garadi in Thigalrapete. He followed the path of M. D. Nataraj, the then son-in-law of the Chief Minister of Karnataka Devaraj Urs who brought him to Bangalore underworld.

Physical Appearance

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

There is not much information available about his parents. He has a brother, M. P. Umesh, and a sister, Hemavati.

M. P. Jayaraj’s sister

Wife & Children

Jayaraj got married to Helen on 12 May 1988.

M. P. Jayaraj with his wife

They had a son, Ajit, who is an actor.

M. P. Jayaraj’s son

In 1989, after Jayaraj’s death, his brother M. P. Umesh married Jayaraj’s wife and they raised their son together.

Criminal Activities

Jayaraj was brought into the underworld in the 1970s when the chief minister of Karnataka Devaraj Urs was working actively to uplift the backward classes in Karnataka. They used every possible way to deal with the opposition that tried to stop their work towards the vision of uplifting the Dalits. Jayaraj worked as a strong weapon for the chief minister to silence anyone who came in between their vision. In 1979, Jayaraj was ruling the underworld in Bangalore under the guidance of M. D. Nataraj, the son-in-law of CM, but he was sentenced to jail for 10 years for assaulting a person called Thigallarapete Gopi on court premises. While he was in jail, Devaraj Urs died so Jayaraj started losing his grip on the underworld. When he was released from jail in 1984, other dons like Kotwal Ramachandra and Oil Kumar had made their place. After coming out of jail, he started his struggles to make a place again in the business and in 1986, a don named Kotwal Ramachandra was killed by Agni Shridhar, Varadharaja Nayak and Bacchan who were backed by Jayaraj. In this murder case, he was sent to jail in 1986 along with Agni, Bachchan. In 2007, a movie titled ‘ Aa Dinagalu’ depicted the death of Kotwal Ramachandra. Jayaraj claimed his place in the business and started running a newspaper “Ghareebi Hatao” which targeted Janata Dal politicians and the police.

A picture of M. P. Jayaraj with Rajiv Gandhi in a press conference after the launch of weekly paper Gareebhi Hataao

Later, he was sent to jail in a murder case of Kotwal Ramachandra. One day during his parole, he was attacked in front of the Bengaluru Central Jail by a group consisting of Pushparaj alias Cottonpete Pushpa, Chakre, Bekkinakannu Rajendra and others. He was able to escape the assassination by fleeing to jail. After this incident, he was admitted to the K R hospital to treat his injuries, but he was once again attacked by a group of sharpshooters. He once again escaped death by throwing bombs at them. While he was in the hospital, his close associate Station Shekar was killed in a police encounter. He used his newspaper to publish articles to pressurize the police in the matter of his associate’s death, but the case was closed. In the 1980s, a gang of dons was made which was titled ‘Indira Brigade’ to protect the leaders of the ruling party. Jayaraj was the leader of this group. In an interview, retired assistant commissioner of police BB Ashok Kumar said that the gang had their own torture rooms.

Politics

In 1989, Jayaraj decided to contest elections for MLA from Jayanagar as an independent candidate. He was sent on a 15-day parole to campaign for the elections. Jayaraj chose a tiger as his election symbol. During the rally, one day he brought a tiger in a cage in his jeep which attracted a lot of people. He waved at people who had gathered to see the tiger in his jeep.

Death

Jayaraj died on 21 November 1989, while he was returning from the Siddapura police station. He was in his car with his brother M.P. Umesh, his lawyer Vardhamanayya and other associates when Muthappa Rai, Subash Singh Thakur and 10 others started firing on his car. Due to the firing, the driver, M.P. Umesh lost his control and their car crashed. After the crash, his brother was able to escape, but his lawyer and Jayaraj were left in the car. His lawyer tried to protect him by shielding him and one of his associates also threw a bomb for them to escape, but the assassins killed the lawyer and Jayaraj by shooting many bullets at them. ^[1]Hindustan Times

Facts/Trivia

• Before becoming a don, he was an employee at Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL). He was fired from the job because of a fight in the office after which he started extortion.

• In an interview, his wife said that she didn’t want her son to choose the same path as her father. In the interview, she further added,
  

  I was very young when Jayaraj married me. He died, leaving me in a state of shock. But I wanted Ajith to lead a good life. So I digested everything and went away from it all. We have struggled a lot to build his career. I wanted him to choose any field other than the underworld. Now, he is doing his MBA while acting in a movie. I’m happy he is a good human being.”

• In 2022, a film titled ‘Head Bush’ was made based on the book by former gangster Agni Sridhar, about his time in the underworld. After the release of the film, Ajit, Jayaraj’s son complained to the Film Chamber of Commerce and said that he would fight a legal battle because his father’s image was portrayed badly in the film and he also claimed that his father never smoked. In an interview, Jayaraj’s sister came forward to support the film and said,
  

  Some people say they know my brother, are related and make me laugh by speaking for publicity. His name controversies are old now, they are now comedies. My brothers are the ones who tell the world about my brother’s personality as a part of Headbush movie. Good luck to Headbush movie team.”

  

  Poster of the film ‘Head Bush’

Tanvi