Dawood Ibrahim, born on December 26, 1955, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India, is a notorious and influential underworld figure, primarily known for his extensive criminal network. He is the leader of the D-Company, a criminal syndicate primarily based in South Asia.
Dawood's rise to infamy began in the streets of Mumbai's Dongri area, where he engaged in petty crimes. His early involvement in criminal activities escalated to more serious offenses, including smuggling, extortion, and drug trafficking. His network expanded rapidly in the 1980s, establishing a significant presence in the Indian criminal underworld.
The turning point in Dawood's criminal career came with his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which resulted in over 250 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The bombings were seen as a retaliation for the 1992-1993 communal riots in Mumbai. Following these events, Dawood fled India and has since been elusive, reportedly residing in Pakistan, though Pakistan denies his presence.
Dawood's D-Company is not just a criminal organization but is also involved in real estate. His network is also believed to have connections with terrorist organizations, adding to the complexity of his criminal profile.
Internationally, Dawood Ibrahim is a designated global terrorist and is on India's most wanted list. Despite these designations and the efforts of Indian and international law enforcement agencies, Dawood remains at large.
A firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff's car has renewed concerns over underworld intimidation in Bollywood, drawing parallels to the 1990s Dawood Ibrahim era. The attack follows repeated threats and violent incidents linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's network, including the killing of former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique and gunfire outside Salman Khan's home. Despite Bishnoi being incarcerated since 2015, the syndicate allegedly operates through a coordinated framework comprising overseas coordinators, local shooters, and intermediaries who leverage social media to project terror. The incident raises questions about the reach of modern criminal syndicates and the challenge of dismantling cross-border command structures.
Bharatiya Janata Party National Spokesperson and Lok Sabha MP Dr Sambit Patra launched a sharp attack against the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, accusing anti-national elements and foreign forces of attempting to engineer a regime change in India. Patra alleged that individuals like Zakir Naik and Dawood Ibrahim desire a change of government to return to the country. Denouncing the opposition INDIA bloc's proposed 1 November 2026 protest at Ramlila Maidan, he claimed the date was deliberately chosen to echo 1 November 1984, which he described as a tragic day when Congress leaders orchestrated violence against Sikhs using electoral rolls. "1st of November 1984 was a black day in Indian democracy when the Congress Party had launched the Sikh pogrom," Patra stated, asserting that India's spiritual consciousness and democratic mandate under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would decisively defeat any attempts to incite street anarchy or destabilise the nation.
A special report on News Track examines the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai's Juhu area on Sunday.
A comparative overview examines the rise, operational frameworks, and international footprints of Dawood Ibrahim and Lawrence Bishnoi. Dawood Ibrahim began with local crime in Mumbai during the 1970s, expanded internationally with Pakistani backing, aligned with anti-India terror frameworks during the 1993 Mumbai blasts, and continues to operate across Pakistan, the United Kingdom, West Asia, Africa, and Thailand using network sharpshooters. In contrast, Lawrence Bishnoi transitioned from student politics in Punjab in the late 2000s to a decentralised gang operating across North India, Maharashtra, and nations with large Punjabi diaspora communities, including Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. Bishnoi operates from Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad, utilising newly recruited shooters.
Assailants opened fire at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai's Juhu area on Sunday evening as he departed from a football venue.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti network a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the decision, stating the syndicate was recruited by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence to smuggle arms, explosives, and narcotics, incite youth, and publish hateful digital content. Investigations revealed that Shehzad Bhatti operated out of the United Arab Emirates as a social media influencer, paying local recruits to photograph military installations, railway stations, and convoys moving towards Jammu and Kashmir, besides orchestrating low-intensity attacks. Raids across 14 states led to multiple detentions. Operating under the banner of Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan to mask Pakistani involvement, the network aimed to destabilise Punjab ahead of elections by targeting police personnel, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionaries, and political leaders. The ban enables India to coordinate with Gulf nations and international bodies to choke the syndicate's financial, hawala, and operational networks across West Asia.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, former Canadian minister Ujjal Dosanjh discussed the United States Department of Justice charging jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his aide Goldy Brar with the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
If Dawood Ibrahim is another name for terror and terror has an address, it is White House 13, Clifton in Karachi, Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, AS Dulat, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), addressed the allegations surrounding the Nikhil Gupta case and the alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Pannun assassination plot.
This special report covers the questioning of social media celebrity Orhan Awadramani, also known as Orry, by the Mumbai Police's Anti-Narcotics Cell in connection with a 252 crores drug haul case. The investigation follows the naming of several public figures, including Orry, by an extradited accused, Salim Sohail Sheikh, who alleged their presence at drug parties. The probe is examining Orry's suspected links to the drug supply chain and his association with Alisha Parker, the nephew of Dawood Ibrahim. A key aspect of the investigation is that 'it is suspected that Auri could also be part of the drug supply chain'.
Actor Siddhant Kapoor was questioned by Mumbai Police's Anti-Narcotic Cell in connection with a Rs 252 crore drug haul case. The case involves a syndicate allegedly run by Salim Dola, an associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. According to the report, 'The allegation was that they were in attendance at drug parties given by Tahir Dola and Salim Dola in India and at UAE overseas'. The names of Siddhant Kapoor, his sister Shraddha Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, and social media influencer Auri were reportedly revealed by Tahir Dola, who was extradited to India in June. Following Siddhant Kapoor's questioning, Auri has also been summoned by the agency. The Anti-Narcotic Cell may also summon Shraddha Kapoor and Nora Fatehi as the investigation continues.
Indian agencies have secured the extradition of Salim Pistol, also known as Salim Ahmed, from Nepal. He was apprehended in Nepal and brought back to India by the Delhi Police Special Cell and Central Agencies. Salim Pistol is identified as India's largest arms supplier, with connections to the Dawood Ibrahim gang. He has been involved in smuggling arms and ammunition from Pakistan into India. He is known for supplying weapons, including the Jigana Pistol made in Turkey, to various gangsters and "Bahubali leaders." Agencies consider this a significant capture, especially ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Salim Pistol will now be interrogated by Indian authorities regarding his network and activities.
In an interview with Lallantop, the actor shared how he was invited to a Dubai party allegedly linked to Dawood’s gang.
The big talking point of this episode of Democratic Newsroom is the raging controversy over Diljit Dosanjh's collaboration with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir for his upcoming movie 'Sardaar Ji 3'.
Ahead of Maharashtra's elections, the ruling Mahayuti coalition is split over Nawab Malik's candidacy.
Former IPS officer Neeraj Kumar told India Today that Tiger Memon was the "main executioner" of the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. "Nobody knows where he lives," Kumar said.
The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday rejected all petitions from the Muslim side challenging the Hindus' plea to worship at the Gyanvapi mosque.
India Today has accessed the dreaded terrorist, drug lord, underworld don from Dongri, Dawood Ibrahim's telephone conversation with his uncle and aunty, which was intercepted by the intelligence team.
What does India's most-wanted gangster Dawood Ibrahim look like today? To answer this, India Today used artificial intelligence (AI) enabled photo software to answer this question. So, here's how AI has imagined Dawood Ibrahim.
While discussing reports of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's alleged poisoning and hospitalisation in Pakistan, India Today TV anchor Shiv Aroor stated that it was likely that Ibrahim was "alive and well" and that the speculation may have been spread by Pakistan to distract the public.
