Killing marks a return to Mumbai's gangwar days?

The gruesome murder of J Dey, a senior journalist with MiD DAY in Mumbai, has once again raised questions about the existence of underworld mafia in the city. Is the city headed back to the 1990's era where gun-running was similar to child's play, and a killing was assured almost every other day?

The gruesome murder of J Dey, a senior journalist with MiD DAY in Mumbai, has once again raised questions about the existence of underworld mafia in the city. Is the city headed back to the 1990's era where gun-running was similar to child's play, and a killing was assured almost every other day?

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This is the second major killing in Mumbai where underworld hand is suspected, after Chotta Rajan henchman Umaid Ishrat Sheikh was narrowed down as the person who engineered the Pakmodia street shootout.

Just when Mumbai thought that the era of D-Company and likes of Chotta Rajan was one of the yesteryears, it has come back. A senior IPS officer, on condition of anonymity said, "There has been a lot of flux in the underworld in recent times. New alliances have been forged, and you could have a bunch of ruthless henchmen working for these alliances."

The officer refused to elaborate on the alliances as it could hinder investigations.

"Inter-gang rivalry and an iron fist from Mumbai to eliminate underworld saw henchmen of almost all gangs being gunned down across the city. This made the gangsters put their personal enmity behind, and divide their territory," said a police officer, on condition of anonymity.

But there exist certain pockets in the city and certain established businesses that still owe allegiance to different gangs, the officer said.