Cops keep an eye out for criminals at funeral of Chhota Rajan's mom

Laxmibai Sadashiv Nikalje, the mother of gangster Chhota Rajan whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje breathed her last late in the night on Tuesday.

Chhota Rajan

She was in her late eighties. Nikalje lived with her youngest son, Deepak, in their Chheda Nagar residence in Chembur. According to sources, Nikalje fell ill on February 3, and was admitted to Joy Hospital, Chembur on the same day. Her body finally gave up on Tuesday at 11.55 pm.

Laxmibai Nikalje died at 11.55 pm on Tuesday in Joy Hospital, Chembur

Guarded funeral
A large number of policemen were present at the funeral members of Unit 6 and 7 of the Crime Branch, along with local police, were observing the visitors. The cops were keeping an eye out for any wanted criminals who might visit the don's family. They didn't expect Rajan himself to show up, though.

A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, said, "We had our eyes on all visitors, but were aware of the fact that Chhota Rajan wouldn't risk coming to Chembur for the procession. Everyone knows who he is. We did see some former criminals paying visits, but they aren't wanted in any current cases. We assume they are into some other business."

Rajan, who is still on the run, and his family lived for a long time in building number 6 at Tilak Nagar. His brother Deepak contested the state assembly elections from Chembur in 2009 on a Republican Party of India ticket, but lost.

Family members and RPI politicians were present at the funeral in large numbers. Laxmibai's last rites were conducted around 2 pm in a crematorium near Somaiya College, Ghatkopar. Rajan's elder brother Prakash Nikalje died of a heart attack in September 2011.

Had been admitted to Joy Hospital on February 3
Last rites conducted yesterday afternoon
Laxmibai was in her late 80s
Members of Units 6 and 7 of the Crime Branch were observing the visitors