Vantage | Why India hasn't been able to get Dawood Ibrahim back from Pakistan

In every country, there exists an undeniable fascination with certain events or individuals, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The United States has the JFK shooting, Britain has Princess Diana and India, too, harbours a similar obsession — Dawood Ibrahim. However, unlike the revered figures in other nations, Dawood invokes emotions of fear and hate. Recently, reports surfaced that he had been poisoned and was hospitalised marking a return to the news. Recent reports suggest that Dawood Ibrahim is hospitalised in Karachi, Pakistan, having allegedly been poisoned. However, the information is unconfirmed and both the Pakistani government and Dawood's family have remained silent. Complicating matters further, Pakistan has restricted internet access since Sunday, hindering the flow of information.Dawood Ibrahim's backgroundDawood Ibrahim, originally from Mumbai's Dongri, embarked on a criminal career in the 1970s, initially involved in petty crimes such as fraud and robbery. His activities escalated, leading him into gold smuggling, extortion and drug trafficking. By the 1980s, he had established the notorious D-Company crime syndicate. Fleeing to Dubai in 1986, Dawood continued his operations from there.In 1993, Dawood masterminded the Mumbai serial blasts, resulting in over 250 casualties. Facing global scrutiny, he fled Dubai and resettled in Pakistan. Rumours suggest that Dawood played a role in bailing out Pakistan's central bank and supporting Pakistani terror groups in exchange for protection from Islamabad.Despite being on the most-wanted lists of India, the United States and Interpol, Dawood Ibrahim has eluded capture. He continues to live a luxurious life in Karachi where he has strong ties to cricket, politics and even Bollywood. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) in India has placed a bounty on him and he is designated a global terrorist by both the US and Interpol.Elusiveness and changing appearanceDawood, now 67 years old, has managed to maintain a low profile for decades. Reports suggest that he has changed his appearance, making it difficult to identify him. Despite being linked to significant events such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2010 Pune blast, Dawood remains at large.The enduring obsession with Dawood Ibrahim in India can be attributed to two factors: the mystery surrounding his uncaptured status and his larger-than-life image, particularly his connections to Bollywood, cricket and politicians. Despite being involved in heinous crimes, Dawood's influence over powerful figures has only deepened the public's fascination.As the reports of Dawood Ibrahim's alleged poisoning unfold, the enigma surrounding this elusive figure continues to captivate the imagination of the Indian public. His ability to evade capture, coupled with his connections to influential spheres, has cemented his status as a symbol of mystery and intrigue in the country. Only time will reveal the truth behind this latest development in the ongoing saga of Dawood Ibrahim.Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.