Dawood Ibrahim, a notorious underworld figure and one of India’s most wanted terrorists, has been admitted to a hospital in Karachi (Pakistan) in critical condition. Unverified reports suggest that the 67-year-old criminal mastermind fell victim to poisoning orchestrated by one of his associates, leading to his emergency hospitalization two days ago.
Security measures around the hospital have been escalated by Pakistani authorities. But an official confirmation is awaited from both Pakistani and Indian authorities.
Who is Dawood Ibrahim?
Dawood Ibrahim, born on December 26, 1955, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India, has been a central figure in the Indian underworld, linked to organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Recognized globally as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council and the United States due to his association with al-Qaeda, Ibrahim’s criminal notoriety spans several decades.
Early Life
Born to Ibrahim Kaskar, a Maharashtra police constable, and Amina Bi, Dawood’s entry into the criminal world took place in the 1970s through smuggling and black-market activities. In the 1980s, he established the D-Company, a criminal syndicate involved in organized crime and international smuggling.
Dawood’s criminal empire extended beyond India, with significant operations in Dubai and other countries. His involvement in a large-scale drug-smuggling operation and leadership of D-Company solidified his position as a key figure in the Mumbai underworld.
1993 Mumbai Bombings and Criminal Allegations
One of the most infamous incidents linked to Dawood Ibrahim is the 1993 Mumbai bombings, a coordinated series of bomb explosions targeting prominent landmarks and resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The attacks were allegedly orchestrated by Dawood in collaboration with other terrorist organizations.
From a life of an underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim moved to the terror world under the instructions of Pakistan’s notorious Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence, commonly known as ISI.
In 2003, the United States of America (USA) designated him a global terrorist. He is also allegedly involved in the 26 November 2008 Mumbai attacks. The dastardly attack was carried out by 10 terrorists of Pakistani group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Global Criminal Network and Dubai Operations
Dawood’s criminal empire extended to Dubai, where he reportedly enjoyed protection and support from elements within the government. The city served as a crucial hub for his illegal activities, including smuggling and money laundering. In 2010, Ibrahim found a place on Forbes’ World’s 10 Most Wanted list after numerous attempts to locate him failed.
2013 IPL Spot-Fixing Scandal
Dawood Ibrahim and his associate Chhota Shakeel are alleged to have orchestrated the spot-fixing scandal, with players purportedly communicating with bookmakers and fixers connected to the notorious duo. The betting ring, reportedly managed by Ibrahim and Shakeel, is said to have profited substantially from illegal gambling activities surrounding the IPL matches.
Journalist Jyotirmoy Dey’s Murder (2011)
Allegedly orchestrated by Dawood Ibrahim’s henchmen, the killing of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011 sheds light on the underworld figure’s wrath against those exposing his illegal activities. Dey’s fearless reporting made him a target, resulting in a case that remains a matter of ongoing investigation.
Gulshan Kumar’s Assassination (1997):
Dawood Ibrahim’s hitmen reportedly targeted Gulshan Kumar in 1997, linking his murder to the underworld’s extortion operations. Kumar’s refusal to pay extortion money allegedly led to his tragic demise, illustrating the violent repercussions for those who resisted the criminal empire.
Smuggling of RDX and Arms (1993)
Dawood Ibrahim’s involvement in the smuggling of RDX and arms into India in 1993 exposes his dark connection to terrorism. The illicit trafficking played a pivotal role in the infamous Mumbai bombings and other terror attacks, showcasing the sinister intersection of organized crime and acts of mass violence.
As global authorities closely monitor Dawood Ibrahim’s critical condition in a Karachi hospital, the extensive details of his criminal activities continue to unfold, leaving a complex legacy that intertwines terrorism, organized crime, and violence.