Dadua is gone. Now, it’s Chhote Dadua’s turn to rule over the rocky terrain of Patha spread over Banda, Chitrakoot, Satna and Rewa districts.

When Ambika Patel, alias Doctor or Thokia, was named Chhote Dadua by the remaining members the gang, headed by dacoit Dauda till July 22 when he was gunned down by the Special Task Force, it also meant they had accepted him as their undisputed leader. According to the STF, over a dozen members of the Dadua gang are still alive and possess sophisticated weapons including AK-47 and AK-56 rifles.

Significantly, Radhey, Dadua’s second in command, seems happy with this agreement and has decided to join forces with Thokia. The two factions decided to work together after a meeting in the Kolahua forests of Banda district on August 4, a day after the Dadua’s Therhavin. It is learnt that some top Kurmi leaders played a vital role in getting the two groups together.

Radhey apparently agreed to back Thokia after the latter took on the STF within a day of Dadua’s death and killed six security personnel. However, despite the pact, both gangs will work separately and help each other only if attacked or during joint operations. The two have also not worked out which all areas they will control.

UP DGP Vikram Singh said Dadua’s crime empire, propped up by extortions and kidnappings, was worth several crores of rupees. He added that the STF will continue its operation against Thokia and Radhey with help from the Madhya Pradesh Police. The STF believes taking control over Dadua’s “business interests” will pitch the two against each other and help their cause.