Jyotirmoy Dey

Some Lesser Known Facts About Jyotirmoy Dey

• Jyotirmoy Dey (1955-2011) was a renowned Indian crime investigation journalist and author, known for his stories and extensive connections within the Mumbai Underworld. He was assassinated in June 2011 by contract killers. The web series titled ‘Scoop,’ released in 2023 drew inspiration from the events following his murder.

• After completing his studies in West Bengal, he initially worked at Hindustan Lever before deciding to pursue a career in journalism in Mumbai.

• In the early days of his career at Hindustan Times, Dey directed his attention towards his deep-rooted passion for wildlife. He dedicated his efforts to addressing pertinent issues concerning forest encroachment and the conflicts between humans and animals in Borivali National Park.

• Dey’s investigative report on the encroachment of the reserved park by the government created a considerable stir among the members of the state legislature. Following his stint as a freelancer for Afternoon Despatch and Courier, Dey ventured into wildlife crime reporting, covering diverse areas of concern.

• In addition to his writing, he explored the field of photojournalism, honing his skills as a trainee reporter and photographer. Later, he embarked on a freelance journalism career with Mid-Day, eventually securing a full-time position with the publication.

  

• In addition to his writing, Dey explored the field of photojournalism, honing his skills as a trainee reporter and photographer. Later, he embarked on a freelance journalism career with Mid-Day, eventually securing a full-time position with the publication.

• Upon his entry into Indian Express in 1996, Dey shifted his focus to crime reporting, specifically delving into the intricacies of the Mumbai underworld. After a brief stint at Hindustan Times, where he continued his journalistic pursuits, he ultimately returned to Mid-Day, assuming the role of crime and investigations editor. In this capacity, he played a crucial part in covering a wide range of crime-related stories.

• Dey penned two notable books that delved into the Mumbai underworld, ‘Zero Dial: The Dangerous World of Informers’ and ‘Khallas.’

  

• Around 3 pm on 11 June 2011, Jyotirmoy Dey fell victim to an attack as he rode his motorcycle back home from Ghatkopar, where his mother resided. The assault took place in Powai at Hiranandani Gardens, orchestrated by four unidentified assailants on motorcycles who unleashed gunfire on him.

• After the assault, he was initially rushed to Powai Hospital, but due to inadequate facilities, he was swiftly moved to Hiranandani Hospital. Upon his arrival at Hiranandani Hospital, he was pronounced dead, succumbing to his injuries from nine bullet exit wounds.

• According to Mumbai Police, the murder of Jyotirmoy Dey was suspected to be a premeditated crime, potentially linked to his investigative work on the oil mafia. Another possibility that emerged was the involvement of underworld figure Chhota Rajan, as Dey had recently published information on Rajan’s alleged role in a shooting incident involving Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of Dawood Ibrahim.

• After the preliminary investigation, the Mumbai Police transferred the case of Jyotirmoy Dey’s murder to the Crime Branch department. After a rigorous investigation lasting sixteen days, the Crime Branch achieved a significant breakthrough by apprehending seven individuals from various parts of India. The suspects, identified as Rohit Thangappan Joseph alias Satish Kalia, Arun Dake, Anil Waghmode, Babloo, Sachin Gaikwad, Mangesh Agawane, and Chhottu, had prior records of criminal involvement.

• The suspects were believed to have links with the infamous gang called ‘NANA COMPANY,’ which is associated with Chhota Rajan. During a press conference, Himanshu Roy, the Additional Commissioner of Police (crime), disclosed that Rajan had contacted Kalia to orchestrate the shooting, with Kalia identified as the individual who fired the fatal shots at Dey. The commissioner stressed that the shooting was carried out on Rajan’s orders, and the shooters were reportedly unaware of Dey’s profession.

  

• On 21 February 2012, the Mumbai Crime Branch filed charges against Jigna Vora, who held the position of Deputy Chief at the Bureau of Asian Age, under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and various other criminal offences pertaining to her alleged role in Dey’s murder. The charges brought against her encompassed criminal conspiracy, murder, and destruction of evidence, as well as provisions under the Arms Act and IPC.

  

• Since 4 July 2011, the police had been conducting surveillance on Jigna Vora after intercepting a conversation between Manoj, the brother of Vinod Asrani (who was also arrested), and the notorious gangster Chhota Rajan. According to allegations, Vora was accused of providing Chhota Rajan with the details of Dey’s motorcycle.

• While the police contended that Jigna Vora‘s professional rivalry led to her alleged involvement in the murder of Dey, some raised doubts about the strength of the evidence against her. In a significant development, a special court granted Vora bail on 27 July 2012, taking into consideration her role as a single parent and her clean criminal record.

• In 2015, Chhota Rajan was arrested in Bali, Indonesia and subsequently deported to India following which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took charge of the investigation.

  

• After a span of nearly seven years since Dey’s murder, on 2 May 2018, the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court pronounced its verdict. Chhota Rajan, along with eight others, including Satish Kaliya, Anil Waghmode, Abhijit Shinde, Nilesh Shendge, Arun Dake, Mangesh Agawane, Sachin Gaikwad, and Deepak Sisodia, were sentenced to life imprisonment. Additionally, they were fined Rs 26 Lakhs each. Jigna Vora and the sim card dealer Joseph Paulsen were acquitted by the court. ^[2]Deccan Chronicle

  

• As per the prosecution’s account, a team of individuals linked to Chhota Rajan, including Satish Kaliya, Anil Waghmode, Abhijeet Shinde, Nilesh Shendge, Arun Dake, Mangesh Agawane, and Sachin Gaikwad, pursued Dey after he departed from his mother’s house. Kaliya, armed with a .32 bore pistol, fired at him in the vicinity of Powai garden. Subsequently, the gang fled the location.

• According to investigators, Chhota Rajan expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal of his criminal stature in a book that Dey planned to write. In several attempts to deter Dey from proceeding with the stories or books concerning him, Rajan’s efforts were unsuccessful. Subsequently, Rajan took the decision to eliminate Dey and hired a contract killer for a sum of Rs 5 Lakhs. The book, titled “Chindi – Rags to Riches,” aimed to chronicle the life accounts of 20 gangsters who had humble origins.

• He liked his bike so much that he affectionately referred to it as ‘Rani.’

• In a significant tribute, the Chowk located near Dmart supermarket in Powai was officially renamed J Dey Chowk on 13 July 2016. ^[3]The Times of India

  

• In 2023, a web series titled Scoop was released, loosely based on the events surrounding the murder of Jyotirmoy Dey. The series featured a character named Jaideb Sen, inspired by Dey, portrayed by Prosenjit Chatterjee. Another character named Jagruti Pathak, based on Jigna Vora, was played by Karishma Tanna.