Shinde for joint operation with US to nab Dawood

‘We have arrested some of the most wanted terrorists (of late) and have killed a few on the border. As far as Dawood (Ibrahim) is concerned, we are in touch with (US agency), the FBI,’ Shinde said while talking to reporters in Mumbai, adding: ‘There is already a red corner notice (against Dawood Ibrahim). We have proposed a joint action with the US (to arrest him). US attorney general Eric Holder has also agreed to this.’

This comes just a week after Shinde, in another statement, had assured that the underworld don will be brought to India to face justice. ‘We will bring them one by one. All will come. Just wait,’ a confident Shinde had told reporters in New Delhi on 2 September. Such frequent references to nab Dawood has generated hope of the gangster’s arrest. That Dawood enjoys Pakistan’s patronage is well known and is believed to be residing in Pakistan also. 

Dawood, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, emerged as India’s most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which he allegedly organised and financed. According to the US, Dawood maintains close links with terror outfit al-Qaida. As a result, the US had also declared him a ‘global terrorist’ and pursued the matter before the United Nations in an attempt to freeze his assets around the world and crack down on his operations.

During Shinde’s tenure, security agencies successfully brought back wanted terrorists including Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, key conspirator of Mumbai attack, terrorists Fasih Mahmood, LeT operative Abdul Karim Tunda and recently Indian Mujahideen founder Yasin Bhatkal. Shinde was made the home minister on 31 July last year.