Major Indian news outlets, both print and electronic, reported Dawood Ibrahim’s alleged poisoning and hospitalization, citing anonymous sources. However, subsequent reports, also from unnamed sources deemed as “credible intelligence,” contradicted this, stating that Dawood had not experienced poisoning or hospitalization. The move suggests the possibility of media speculation to defame Pakistan by claiming that Duad Ibrahim, an Indian underworld don, was residing in Pakistan.
Colonial Influence
Organized crime in India originates from the British colonial era, characterized by opium smuggling. Criminal gangs emerged to cater to the colonial economy. As the nation struggled for independence, these criminal networks persisted and adapted to changing circumstances, setting the stage for the complex underworld that would evolve in the post-independence era.
Politicization of Crime
The nexus between criminal organizations and politicians became increasingly pronounced, influencing elections and policy decisions. This unholy alliance created an environment where powerful figures could operate with impunity, posing a significant challenge to effective law enforcement. The Malegaon and Modasa bombings in 2008 introduced a new dimension to India’s struggle with crime – terrorism with a Hindutva twist. Chief of the state Anti-Terror Squad, Hemant Karkare, led the investigation and identified Hindutva organizations, including Abhinav Bharat with links to Sangh Parivar groups, as responsible for the attacks. This marked a shift in perception, giving rise to terms like “Hindutva terror” or “Saffron terror.”
Technology and Globalization
Advancements in technology and globalization allowed organized crime syndicates to adapt and expand their operations globally. D-Company, under the alleged leadership of Dawood Ibrahim, became a major player in this globalized criminal landscape. The 1993 Bombay bombings, attributed to Ibrahim, underscored the destructive potential of organized crime on a global scale.
Corruption and Political Nexus
Corruption and the deep-rooted connection between organized crime and politicians remained formidable challenges, hindering law enforcement efforts. While D-Company continued to cast a shadow over India’s underworld, smaller gangs specializing in specific criminal activities contributed to the fragmentation of the criminal landscape.
The BJP’s tendency to blame Pakistan for every challenge oversimplifies the complex nature of organized crime in India. Fake news surrounding Dawood Ibrahim adds confusion to the discourse.
India’s organized crime history, marked by colonial legacies and corruption, now includes terrorism linked to Hindutva groups. Addressing these challenges requires political will and an unbiased approach, focusing on dismantling criminal networks without harmful generalizations. Recognizing diverse factors allows India to develop a strategic response beyond political rhetoric for the nation’s security.
The author: Atta Rasool Malik hails from semi-tribal areas of Pakistan. He is a veteran and holds an M.Phil. degree in international relations from National Defence University Islamabad. His interests include the politics of South Asia, the Middle East, and Islamic and Jewish theology.