Notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim, who's been living in Pakistan for decades now hiding from Indian law enforcement authorities, is in the news again. Pics/ Mid-day archives
The unverified claims gained traction after a YouTuber from Pakistan, in a video, relying on reports with questionable veracity, speculated on the gangser's poisoning and hospitalisation.
Some media reports went as far as to speculate if Pakistan was trying to hide his death. In light of this, here's a look back on how Dawood became a notorious name.
Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar was born in 1955 in Ratnagiri, India. He hailed from a Konkani Muslim family and later moved to Mumbai. His early life remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting reports about his upbringing and family influences.
Ibrahim became involved in Mumbai's criminal underworld in the 1970s and quickly ascended through the ranks. His involvement in smuggling, extortion, and alleged connections to the Bollywood film industry contributed to his notorious reputation.
One of the most infamous incidents associated with Ibrahim is the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which caused widespread devastation and claimed hundreds of lives. He was alleged to have orchestrated this act of terror, resulting in his international notoriety.
Ibrahim's reach extended far beyond India. He established an expansive criminal network with links to drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, and arms smuggling across several continents, solidifying his status as a global underworld figure.
The D-Company, Ibrahim's criminal syndicate, operated with ruthless efficiency. Known for its sophisticated operations and ability to evade law enforcement, it became synonymous with his legacy.
Despite numerous attempts by law enforcement agencies to capture him, Dawood Ibrahim has evaded arrest and remains a fugitive. He has been listed on the FBI's Most Wanted list for his alleged criminal activities.
Speculation persists regarding Ibrahim's alleged connections to intelligence agencies in various countries, fueling intrigue about his ability to avoid capture for an extended period.
Ibrahim amassed a colossal wealth through illegal means, reportedly involving real estate investments, businesses, and illicit activities. Estimates of his net worth vary widely, highlighting the challenge of tracking illicit finances.
Ibrahim's influence extended beyond crime; his alleged ties to politicians and influence on certain sectors of Indian society have sparked debates about the nexus between crime and politics.
Efforts by Indian authorities to secure Ibrahim's extradition from his suspected hideouts, particularly in Pakistan, have been met with diplomatic challenges, adding complexity to the pursuit of justice.
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