Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads
Khan’s wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, along with their two children, remained unharmed during the attack. Following the incident, Mumbai Police arrived at Khan's Bandra West apartment complex, Satguru Sharan, to investigate. Among the officers present was the famed encounter specialist, Daya Nayak.
The Legend Of Daya Nayak
Daya Nayak is renowned for his remarkable contributions to law enforcement, particularly for eliminating over 80 underworld gangsters in Mumbai during the 1990s. His reputation as a daring officer has cemented his legacy in police circles.Early Life And Journey To Mumbai
Nayak was born into a Konkani-speaking family in Udupi, Karnataka, as the youngest child of Badda and Radha Nayak. After completing his education up to Class 7 at a Kannada-medium school in his village, he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1979 in search of work to support his family.His initial job in the bustling city was at a local hotel. Despite his financial struggles, Nayak completed his Class 12 education by studying at a municipal school in Goregaon while living in the portico of the hotel where he was employed. Later, he graduated from CES College in Andheri, driven by a determination to uplift himself and his family.
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads
Inspiration To Join The Police Force
Nayak’s ambition to become a police officer took root during his college years when he encountered officers from the narcotics department while working as a plumber’s apprentice. Inspired by their work, he pursued his dream, eventually joining the police force in 1995 as a sub-inspector at Juhu Police Station after completing his police academy training.Popular in Panache
Rising To Fame In Law Enforcement
The mid-1990s was a turbulent time in Mumbai, with the underworld operating at its peak. In December 1996, Nayak cemented his reputation by killing two gangsters affiliated with the Chhota Rajan syndicate in an encounter in Juhu. The criminals had allegedly opened fire on Nayak, prompting him to retaliate. This act of bravery earned him widespread recognition within the police department.Controversies Surrounding Daya Nayak
Despite his heroic exploits, Nayak’s career has been marred by controversies. In 2004, the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate allegations of disproportionate wealth amassed by the officer. The ACB’s inquiry led to raids at six locations, including two in Bangalore. The investigation revealed that Nayak allegedly owned two fleets of luxury buses, one operating under the banner of Vishal Travels in Mumbai and the other in Karkala, Karnataka.Nayak was arrested by the ACB following these revelations. However, after years of legal and professional battles, he was reinstated in 2012 as an additional commissioner of police in the West control room. This marked his return to active duty, nearly 15 years after his initial rise to prominence.
Legacy of A Controversial Hero
Daya Nayak’s life is a complex blend of courage, ambition, and controversy. His encounters with the underworld during the height of its power made him a legend within law enforcement. Yet, his career has been shadowed by allegations of corruption and disproportionate wealth, raising questions about the ethical dilemmas faced by officers in high-stakes roles.As Mumbai continues to grapple with incidents like the attack on Saif Ali Khan, the presence of officers like Nayak serves as a reminder of both the city’s resilience and the complex realities of maintaining law and order in a metropolis with a rich but tumultuous history.
