Powers That Be Sculpted Nayeem Into Mafia Don

Hyderabad: Naxalite-turned-extortionist and gangster Mohammad Nayeemuddin alias Nayeem alias Balanna rose to higher levels in the crime world literally commanding police force in Telangana and parts of neighboring states. The slain gangster wanted to become an MLA from Bhongir in the near future. Nayeem on several occasions categorically mentioned that becoming Bhongir MLA was his life ambition. But all of a sudden the change of game plan to Saudi Arabia is raising many doubts whether Nayeem had any clue about a possible encounter.

Nayeem set a target of mobilizing Rs200 crore in two months and decided to leave the country for Saudi Arabia by October this year. While he was in the process of garnering the target amount, Nayeem was killed in the police encounter on Monday in Shadnagar.

Political Ambition

Nayeem used to often say that he would be the MLA of Bhongir constituency in the near future. He also targeted Bhongir sitting MLA Pyla Shekhar Reddy, who questioned him on illegal land settlements in the constituency. Intelligence department had alerted Bhongir MLA and increased security measures for him.

Ex-Maoist Sambashivudu wanted to contest from Bhongir constituency. This was the prime reason why Nayeem killed Sambashivudu. Nayeem and his gang were concerned that if Sambashivudu becomes MLA from Bhongir, he would keep a tab on his underworld activity. It’s an open secret that political reasons were behind the murder of Sambashivudu’s brother Konapuri Ramulu. Nayeem gang was reportedly involved in this murder as well.

Venturing into media

Police investigation further revealed that a TV channel was under wraps. Nayeem had engaged a group of journalists that used to get monthly kickbacks for making his media dreams a reality. The head office of the TV channel was located at Banjara Hills. It’s further learnt that Nayeem had spent over Rs10 crore on the media venture. Nayeem wanted to propagate anti-Maoist ideology and to boost his image in the public as well.

Nayeem spent huge amount of money in Bhongir constituency. He was spending money to sponsor cricket kits for youths and donating liberally for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, etc. The gangster used to donate regularly sarees and other materials to ladies from poor families. Police officials identified huge quantities of sarees.

A1 in 10 cases only

Highlighting Nayeem’s modus operandi, a fool-proof mechanism, he was charge sheeted as A1 in 10 cases only as against involvement in thousand of extortions and illegal activities. Another five cases against him charge sheeted Nayeem as A4 and A5. To get out of these 10 cases, Nayeem had taken legal advice also. He had planned to surrender a year before contesting in Bhongir elections. After taking legal advice, Nayeem planned in such a way that the government could take possession of his assets to the tune of 25 percent only.

Modus operandi

Ex-naxalite Nayeem used Maoists as his investment to reach the top of the underworld. Nayeem was prime accused in killing IPS officer Vyas, but turned out to be a covert for the police department. He formed an outfit called Green Tigers intensifying his attacks on Maoists and this brought him much closer to the police department. Police and key politicians in power used Nayeem to suppress Maoist movement and also spread fear among general public. Subsequently, Nayeem spread his area of operations to neighboring states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra.

Nayeem was associated with SFI when he was studying in a junior college. After joining degree course, he became active in RSU. To make his rowdy character very powerful, he practiced martial arts also. Nayeem was a black belt holder in Karate. He joined Aleru dalam of People’s war group. Nayeem alias Balanna started his career in Aleru dalam in early 1990s.

Generally, students of 10th class wanted to become a doctor, an engineer or a CA, but Nayeem wanted to be a popular rowdy. Nayeem was associated with SFI when he was studying in a junior college. After joining degree course, he became active in RSU. To make his rowdy character very powerful, he practiced martial arts also. Nayeem was a black belt holder in Karate. He joined Aleru dalam of People’s war group. Nayeem alias Balanna started his career in Aleru dalam in early 1990s.

Another salient feature of Nayeem was hosting grand dinners. Whoever comes to him for settlement, Nayeem used to throw parties and insisting on clients to eat several items served in the dinner parties. But Nayeem didn’t allow liquor in his dinner parties.

Several top police officials and politicians used Nayeem’s services for settling their personal matters as well. This propelled him to a level where Nayeem started threatening MLAs and ministers also.

Several top police officials and politicians used Nayeem’s services for settling their personal matters as well. This propelled him to a level where Nayeem started threatening MLAs and ministers also. He recently threatened Pyla Shekhar Reddy, a TRS MLA from Bhongir. The Telangana government has increased security measures for the MLA by providing a bullet-proof car and five gunmen. Another fact came to light that Nayeem had also threatened about dozen TRS MLAs.

Subsequently, particularly during the past six months, Nayeem also became alert on the government as few cases booked against him in Nizamabad and Malkagjiri police stations. After realizing that the State government wouldn’t leave him, Nayeem started avoiding even his close associates.