The killing of Kiran alias Balu Dhokare, a key lieutenant of the Chhota Rajan gang, has changed equations in the Pune underworld. Dhokare, killed in a shootout in Malaysia on Sunday, was wanted in four cases in the city. Born in a family ailing from Shindewadi hamlet in Kolhapur, Dhokare is reported to have set up a strong base for the Rajan gang in Pune and the police say he used to mastermind all operations here. Crime Branch officials said Dhokare lately was pulling the strings from abroad. He had recruited local youths as informers and messengers. They would approach various businessmen and ask them to call Dhokare, who would extort money from the victims over the telephone. His associates from either Mumbai or Pune would collect the money. Police say Dhokare’s killing would deliver a jolt to the gang. ‘‘This has happened at a time when most of the gang henchmen, including D.K. Rao, Anil Nandoskar alias Andya, Vijay Potdar alias Potya, and Raghu Shetty have been arrested and lodged behind bars. His death is likely to result in an increase in the activities of local criminals. Besides, the possibility of other gangs from Mumbai trying to manupulate the situation can’t be ruled out,’’ they said.
