EXCLUSIVE: The Untold Story of Underworld DON Dawood Ibrahim
Dawood Ibrahim : Following the country's independence in 1947, India entered a new era marked by heightened expectations and an increased emphasis on status symbols. The allure of Bollywood experienced a surge, captivating the masses with a fervent craze for...
08:52 PM Dec 19, 2023 IST
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Aakash Khuman
Dawood Ibrahim : Following the country's independence in 1947, India entered a new era marked by heightened expectations and an increased emphasis on status symbols. The allure of Bollywood experienced a surge, captivating the masses with a fervent craze for movies. Film actors became icons, and their styles were widely emulated. This period witnessed the rise of flashy imported cars, watches, and clothing, reflecting a collective desire for affluence. The pursuit of wealth became paramount, prompting individuals to be conscious of their status.
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Shimmering white tight clothes, imported watches, stylish glasses, and distinctive hairstyles became coveted symbols of the desired lifestyle. Consequently, the rampant growth in demand fueled widespread smuggling activities across the country.
The names of Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, and Varadharajan gained prominence during a period when the market for imported goods from Dubai and the Gulf, such as clothes and watches, was thriving. Due to a ban on importing gold and silver in the country, smuggling of these precious metals from Gulf countries surged. The demand for foreign gold and silver reached unprecedented levels. Mumbai, particularly under the influence of Haji Mastan and Karim Lala, became a hub for this illicit trade. While their activities were primarily centered around smuggling, their reputation extended beyond criminal pursuits.
Despite being considered criminals by the law, Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, and Varadharajan were known for their assistance to people, earning them a positive image as kind-hearted individuals. Their operations were characterized by a lack of violence or conflict, further contributing to their unique standing in the public eye.
The aspirations of Haji Mastan and Karim Lala's successors, the Sagarits, expanded significantly. All the consignments belonging to Haji Mastan and Karim Lala made their way to the shores of Gujarat. Sukar Balia and Lallu Jogi played pivotal roles in overseeing these operations, and their authority on the Gujarat coast was unparalleled. The coastline was under their strict control, ensuring that no activity occurred without their consent. The landing of gold, silver, and imported goods worth millions was meticulously managed through a well-established network.
During the 1970s-80s, the underworld operated by certain principles, and these dons focused on their smuggling ventures without engaging in activities such as taking lives, contract killings, or drug smuggling, which they deemed as wrong.
As time passed and Haji Mastan and Karim Lala aged, the influence of their successors, the Sagarits, grew stronger. The younger generation harbored ambitious dreams of ascending to leadership positions and becoming the saviors of the underworld. Haji Mastan, in particular, ventured into politics as part of his evolving role.
A conflict erupted between Dawood and Alamzeb as both individuals pursued their own paths. Dawood Ibrahim, known for his cruelty, initiated clashes with Haji Mastan's Pathan gang and Karim Lalani gang, gradually overpowering them. Alamzeb, on the other hand, began charting his course independently, distancing himself from his former mentor. The divergence in beliefs and the dangerous ambitions of Dawood and Alamzeb fueled the conflict. Subsequently, Dawood, along with his brother Sabir and close friend Haji Ismail Sharad Shetty, established the D company. Meanwhile, Alamzeb, joined by Samad Khan, Saeed Batla, and Amirzada, laid the foundations of the Pathan gang, setting the stage for a rivalry between the two factions.
Manya Surve entered the scene between two rival gangsters during the era of organized crime syndicates, marked by the emergence of contract killings and drug cartels. Dawood Ibrahim, inspired by Bollywood and following in the footsteps of Haji Mastan, showcased his own style, organizing events and inviting film personalities on Pakmodia Street. In 1981, tensions escalated between Dawood's gang and another emerging force. Manya Surve, a notorious criminal with a penchant for contract killings and robberies, aspired to form his own gang and establish himself as a formidable don. While initially associated with Dawood, Manya Surve harbored ambitions of independence and aimed to rival Dawood.
Amidst this power struggle, Alamzeb saw an opportunity in Manya Surve and aligned with him to compete with Dawood for control over Bombay. Both Alamzeb and Manya Surve shared a common objective: to challenge Dawood and his D Company. The conflict intensified after the killing of Dawood's elder brother, Sabir, in Mumbai's Prabhadevi area. Sabir's murder was a significant provocation, leading the Pathan gang, including Manya Surve, to plot the eradication of D Company in a single night.
The fateful night unfolded with the Pathan gang advancing towards Dawood's residence at 33 Pakmodia Street. However, Dawood's men were tipped off and managed to close the large iron gate, triggering a fierce shootout—the likes of which Mumbai had never witnessed before in its history.
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