NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against gangster Chhota Rajan and his associates in connection with their alleged role into the murder of Hanif Kadawala, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case who gave an AK-56 rifle to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt.
“The agency has taken over the probe into Hanif Kadawala’s murder,” CBI officer said.
The investigating agency took over probe after a reference from the Maharashtra government in this regard. As per norms, the agency starts its probe from the FIR registered by the state police.
They said a case has been registered against Chhota Rajan, his gang member Guru Satam and others under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act in connection with Kadawala's murder.
Kadawala, who transported weapons to Mumbai on the instructions of Tiger, Menon which were used in the 1993 serial blasts, was killed on February 7, 2001 in his office by three men.
Mumbai Police suspected that the killing was a handiwork of Rajan after the 12 blasts that had left 257 dead and more than 700 injured.
Rajan, once considered a henchman of Dawood, parted ways with him after the blasts. It was alleged that Kadawala along with another accomplice had hid the consignment of weapons used in the blasts in the garage of Dutt’s house.
The actor had, however, denied any knowledge of conspiracy of blasts and was acquitted from charges under TADA in the case.
The actor was convicted under the Arms Act. Kadawala was arrested on April 16, 1993 under TADA for being part of the conspiracy and transporting weapons from Gujarat coast to Mumbai but was released on bail five years later.
In 2001, it was alleged that a person introducing himself as Yusuf repeatedly sought appointment with Kadawala regarding a deal. On February 7, 2001, three persons allegedly entered his office at Bandra in Mumbai where two of his employees were also present. After a brief discussion, Kadawala was shot dead.