The Mumbai police is currently busy compiling a list of the 12 most wanted gangsters in the metropolis which will then be issued to all the police stations in the city to serve as a ready-reckoner. And if the intense activity at the police commissionerate is anything to go by, they have a tough task on their hands. In fact, there is already talk of compiling two lists to accommodate the gangsters who don't make it to the first one. Over the last few weeks the zonal police officers are running a check on most notorious gangsters in their areas. The second lot will be sifted from 10 lists comprising 10 names each, drawn from Mumbai's 10 police zones.

So, murders are being counted, extortion bids being tallied and criminal records are being compared. The criteria is clear: only the gangsters who are active in city currently will make the grade. No place here for Dawoods,Daddys and Rajans. It's the criminals of the like of Mohammed Ali Kanjari (six murders and several extortion charges) and Chikna Babu (four murders) that are more likely make it. Most of the top bosses Chhota Rajan, Chhota Shakeel and Abu Salem won't even be considered for they all, like their mentors, are based abroad. Arun Gawli too doesn't stand a chance for he has been externed from the city.

The list is as keenly awaited in the underworld as the police stations. For, while it will set the target for the policemen, it's a matter of professional prestige for the gangsters to find a mention in it. ``It adds weight to your name. So, the next time you call a seth for money he takes you seriously. Why do you think names like Chikna Babu and Vishwakarma send shiver down everybody's spine,'' said a underworld source.

Not only in the world outside, even within the gangs the listed gangsters enjoy a pride of place. It means that they get best of assignments, the most sophisticated arms and of course afat packet to take home every month.

But if the list means so much to the gangsters, why are the cops working so hard on it? Well, that because the top-12 gangsters are like trophies to be grabbed by the policemen. Though there are no direct incentives for killing a gangster from the most-wanted list, it certainly brightens a cop's chances of getting a promotion. And if his accomplishment lands him a medal or two nothing like it.

``It also helps in keeping the morale of the force up. You certainly get a kick out of putting a big cross mark on the picture of top gangsters like Sada Pawle. It's a occasion to celebrate,'' said a senior officer.

The list needs to be updated every time a top gangster dies, ceases his activities or flees abroad. Then those waiting in the flanks move up.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (crime) Pradeep Sawant told Express Newsline that one important factor that is taken into account while compiling such a list is the gang affiliation. ``Actually, the priority is toget the most hardened and wanted criminals. The lesser known can be taken care of later,'' an officer added.

Old records are also don't matter because what the police look is a gangster's present level of activity. For instance, dreaded contract killer Feroze Konkani, who is involved in more than 18 murders, won't be listed this year. Reason: He is lying low since his escape from the JJ hospital on May 6 last year. Another case in point is Chhota Rajan's key associate O P Singh. Though he is a high-ranking gangster, his name is not likely to be included as he is currently not active.

On the other hand Arun Gawli aide Dilip Kulkarni's (DK) will surely figure in the list even though he is named in some murder case. What he does have is several complaints of his name being used by Gawli gangsters while making extortion demands.

A special squad officer in fact surprises when he found names like Nilesh Kokam figuring among the most wanted criminal of the city. ``Probably some soft targets are included toboost the morale,'' said the officer requesting anonymity.