From Dawood Ibrahim to Chhota Rajan: 9 underworld men who ruled the criminal world

It appears that a notorious criminal mastermind, who has long received support from the Pakistani government, is now facing a grave threat to his life. Reports suggest that Dawood Ibrahim has been poisoned by someone close to him, leading to his hospitalisation under tight security and close observation.

The 65-year-old individual was poisoned by one of his associates, prompting an urgent transfer to the hospital upon exhibiting distressing symptoms. The National Investigative Agency has confirmed that this man, responsible for the Bombay terror attacks, had been residing in Karachi, Pakistan, following his second marriage. Dawood Ibrahim, who orchestrated the 1993 Mumbai blast resulting in the death of over 250 people, has been in hiding. He maintains close ties with the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.

For decades, Pakistan has harboured Dawood Ibrahim, despite India issuing a $25 million bounty on his head. The likelihood of Pakistan releasing Dawood Ibrahim to India seems increasingly remote.

For those intrigued by Dawood Ibrahim's story, it's worth exploring other criminal masterminds who have dominated the underworld in India. Here are some names:

Haji Mastan, often referred to as the "Sultan of the Mumbai underworld," was a prominent figure during the 1960s and 1970s. Starting as a small-time smuggler, he rose to power and diversified into real estate. He was known for his charisma and social connections, which extended to the film industry.

Abu Salem gained notoriety for his involvement in the 1993 Bombay bombings and other criminal activities. A one-time associate of Dawood Ibrahim, he faced extradition from Portugal and subsequent legal proceedings in India for his role in various organized crime activities.

Known as "Daddy," Arun Gawli was a former mill worker turned gangster and politician. Operating in the Dagdi Chawl area of Mumbai, he had a stronghold in the underworld during the late 20th century. Gawli later entered politics and served as a legislator in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

Chhota Shakeel, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, played a significant role in the D-Company's operations. Involved in extortion and contract killings, Shakeel operated in the shadows, often communicating with the media to convey the syndicate's messages.

Chhota Rajan, originally a lieutenant of Dawood Ibrahim, later became a fierce rival. He carved his criminal empire, involved in activities such as extortion and murder. Rajan gained attention for his role in the 1993 Bombay bombings and his subsequent fallout with Dawood.

Karim Lala, one of the three prominent underworld figures in Mumbai during his time, was associated with smuggling, narcotics, and real estate. Operating in the crowded bylanes of Mumbai, he was a part of the infamous "Lala-Kaskar-Dawood" triumvirate that controlled various illegal activities in the city.

Ravi Pujari, an underworld figure known for his involvement in extortion and kidnapping, operated both in India and abroad. With a reputation for making threatening calls to targets, Pujari faced legal challenges and efforts from law enforcement agencies to curb his criminal activities.

Known as the "Vardha Bhai," Varadarajan Mudaliar was a Chennai-based gangster active during the 1960s and 1970s. He was involved in smuggling and illicit trades, gaining notoriety for his influence in the southern part of India's underworld.