Manya Surve: Police confrontations in India have remained a source of controversy over the years. Referred to as “encounter killings” or “fake encounters,” these incidents involve law enforcement officers resorting to deadly force against individuals suspected of criminal involvement. The initial encounter killing in India, gaining notoriety, centred around Manya Surve, a notorious Mumbai gangster. His encounter marked a significant event, triggering debates on police use of force and the legality of such actions.
While some encounters are genuine, there have been allegations of contrived confrontations and extrajudicial killings, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and the misuse of police authority.
Manya Surve, besides his criminal reputation, was notable for his high level of education. Despite his academic background, he became the first gangster to fall victim to a police encounter, turning the incident into one of the most infamous episodes in the history of such encounters in India.
However, Manya Surve’s notoriety extends beyond cinematic portrayals. To understand the full picture of Manya Surve and the circumstances leading to his encounter, let’s delve into the details:
Who Was Manya Surve?
Known as Manohar Arjun Surve, Manya Surve was a prominent figure in the Bombay underworld. Renowned as an “Indian Underworld Don,” he stood out not only for his criminal exploits but also for his exceptional education. Surve gained prominence for challenging and dismantling existing criminal factions.
Embarking on a Life of Crime
Manya Surve, a recent graduate from Kirti College, found himself entangled in the criminal realm after being falsely implicated in a murder case and sent to Yerwada Jail. Despite his innocence, Surve faced a conviction and imprisonment for the alleged crime. Within the confines of incarceration, he forged connections and established a notorious gang that swiftly gained prominence in the criminal underworld.
The Changing Dynamics
The longstanding dominance of the Pathans in the underworld led to an intriguing turn of events. Seeking Manya Surve’s assistance, the Pathans aimed to eliminate the Kaskar brothers, Dawood and Shabbir, leaders of the rival D-Company gang who spoke Konkani. However, Manya’s involvement resulted in his arrest, and he faced charges related to the crime. Sentenced to jail based on his age, he was later transferred from Pune’s Yerwada Prison to Ratnagiri Jail due to management concerns and apprehension.
Manya Surve movies
Manya Surve’s persona has left an indelible mark on Bollywood. In the film “Shootout at Wadala,” John Abraham portrayed his character, earning recognition and remembrance. Interestingly, Manya Surve’s notorious presence in the criminal underworld was also depicted in other popular Bollywood movies such as “Agneepath” (1990) with Amitabh Bachchan and its 2012 counterpart starring Hrithik Roshan, further highlighting his impact on cinematic narratives.
manya surve death
After the demise of Shabir Ibrahim, Surve’s associates gradually faded away. Sensing this shift, Surve decided to withdraw. On November 14, 1979, evading capture while still in the hospital, he successfully made his way to Bombay.
Upon reaching Bombay, Surve orchestrated a reorganization of his network, attracting formidable members, including the renowned Robar of that era. Together, the group engaged in various thefts and robberies. As Manya Surve’s notoriety grew, concerns regarding Mumbai’s law and order and police effectiveness came to the forefront.
Manya Surve encounter
Subsequently, the manhunt for Manya Surve commenced. One by one, the police apprehended his associates. Utilizing Vidya Joshi, Surve’s girlfriend, as a link, law enforcement managed to ensnare him. On January 11, 1982, during an extended police stakeout near “Ambedkar College” in Wadala, Manya arrived to pick up his sweetheart from a salon. The vigilant police got wind of this.
Upon receiving the tip, the squad led by Mumbai Police Assistant Commissioner Isaque Bagwan swiftly reached the scene. In the ensuing confrontation, Isaque’s team successfully took down Manya Surve.
Remarkably, this marked the inaugural police encounter in independent India, with Isaque Bagwan becoming the first officer to carry out such an operation.
