Dawood Ibrahim hospitalized in Karachi amid poisoning rumours

Hyderabad: Fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, widely known as the mastermind behind the 1993 Mumbai blasts, has reportedly been hospitalized in Karachi, Pakistan. Rumours circulating suggest his hospitalization could be linked to poisoning, although there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan regarding this development.

Dawood wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the Mumbai bombings that claimed the lives of over 250 individuals and left thousands injured, has been believed to be residing in Karachi’s upscale Clifton area for years. Despite Indian authorities frequently asserting his presence in Pakistan, the country has consistently denied sheltering him.

In January 2023, Dawood’s nephew disclosed to India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) that the fugitive crime lord had remarried in Pakistan and resides with his family in Karachi. According to the statement provided by Alishah Parkar, the son of Dawood's sister Haseena Parkar, Ibrahim has a second wife named Maizabin and four children: three daughters - Marukh (married to Junaid, son of cricketer Javed Miandad), Mehrin (married), Maziya (unmarried), and a son named Mohin Nawaz (married).

NIA charge sheets Dawood in fake currency case

The NIA’s charge sheet filed in September of this year also highlighted Dawood’s involvement in the fake currency case that it had uncovered. According to the report released by NIA in September, it has intensified its pursuit of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim by filing a supplementary charge sheet against four individuals, including Ibrahim’s associate, Javed Chikna. The charge sheet filed under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) implicates Chikna, Riyaz Shikilkar, Mohammad Fayaaz Shikilkar, and Nasir Chaudhari in a case involving fake currency notes. The investigation stemmed from the Thane police's initial discovery of 149 high-quality counterfeit Indian currency notes, each valued at ₹2,000, in Riyaz Shikilkar's possession. Subsequently, the NIA took over the case on February 7, delving deeper into the network's activities.

A series of arrests and incriminating discoveries unfolded in a recent turn of events. Mohammad Fayaaz, aged 33, was apprehended during NIA's search operation at six locations. Shockingly, the search revealed twelve sharp-edged swords and other materials directly linking him to the counterfeit currency case.

NIA's press release emphasized Fayaaz's communication with ‘Uncle,’ identified as Javed Patel alias Javed Chikna, via WhatsApp. Their exchanges allegedly revolved around planning unlawful activities within India. The investigations unveiled a financial link between Chikna, designated as an individual terrorist, and Fayaaz. Funds purportedly sent by Chikna through his associate, ‘Bhai,’ pointed to a sinister objective - the circulation of high-quality fake Indian currency notes aimed at destabilizing India's monetary stability.

Chikna, a wanted accused with affiliations to Dawood Ibrahim, has been implicated in acts of terror executed through his associates, perpetuating the circulation of counterfeit currency with the intent to wreak havoc on India’s financial ecosystem.

The supplementary charge sheet adds another layer to the extensive web of illegal operations associated with Ibrahim's criminal empire, shedding light on the intricate network's endeavours to undermine the country's financial integrity.

In November of the previous year, NIA also highlighted Dawood’s alleged establishment of a specialized unit within the notorious D-Company. This unit purportedly aimed at instilling terror by targeting prominent figures in India, including political leaders and businesspersons.

Despite being in hiding, Dawood’s criminal empire, the D-Company, is believed to retain control over various illicit operations in Mumbai. The 10th edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) has emphasized the group's involvement in activities ranging from drug trafficking, and arms trade, to counterfeiting. Additionally, the report underlined the D-Company's deep-rooted connections with global terrorist entities such as al-Qaida.

Speculations Amid Tight Security

Reports suggest that Dawood Ibrahim is under heavy security within the confines of the hospital, further fueling speculations regarding the nature of his illness and the circumstances surrounding his hospitalization. However, official statements from either Pakistani or Indian authorities are yet to shed light on Ibrahim's health condition or the reasons behind his hospital stay.

The uncertainty surrounding the health of one of India's most wanted criminals has stirred curiosity and concern both within the two nations and internationally. The lack of confirmation or detailed information from authoritative sources continues to keep the situation veiled in mystery, adding to the intrigue surrounding the infamous figure's current state of health and his future.

As the world watches and waits for official statements, the rumours surrounding Dawood Ibrahim's hospitalization persist, leaving questions unanswered about the fate and future actions of the elusive fugitive.