Has Dawood Ibrahim been poisoned in Pakistan? The latest updates

Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim has been hospitalised in Karachi, Pakistan, and is reportedly under tight security. Several social media reports alleged that the fugitive gangster was poisoned, but these accusations have yet to be verified.

What happened

• Media reports indicated that Dawood's condition was critical, and he is under strict observation by doctors.
• It's been mentioned that Dawood is the sole patient on the floor, with only close family members and doctors permitted to visit him.
• Reports stated that Dawood was admitted to the hospital two days ago, and there have been no updates on his health from Pakistani news media outlets since then.
• His hospitalisation could also be attributed to his kidney ailment, reportedly suffered by the gangster.

'Neither poisoned, nor dead'

• Later in the day, India Today reported that the news about Dawood Ibrahim being hospitalised or poisoned was unfounded and based purely on rumors initiated by a Pakistani YouTuber.

• The claims gained momentum after the YouTuber posted a late-night video speculating about Ibrahim's alleged poisoning and subsequent hospitalisation. However, the reports relied solely on unverified social media information.

Why is Dawood Ibrahim wanted in India?

• Dawood Ibrahim, who ascended through underworld ranks in Mumbai in the early 1980s, is alleged to be the mastermind behind the 1993 Bombay Bomb Blasts, resulting in 257 deaths and thousands injured.
• Despite Dawood denying his role in the bomb blasts, investigative agencies found evidence linking Dawood to the explosions, collaborating with Pakistan’s secret agency, ISI.
• While his aide, Yakoob Memon, returned to India and was hanged in 2015 for his involvement in the blasts, the main perpetrator Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim remain at large.
• Dawood reportedly fled to Dubai in 1992 and sought refuge in Pakistan as Indian authorities cracked down on his group.
• Although the Pakistani government has never acknowledged Dawood’s presence on its soil, various sources have confirmed his residence in a palatial bungalow in Karachi.
• Dawood was believed to have received high-class security in Pakistan, purportedly even more than the President of Pakistan.
• He is believed to be in Pakistan under a different name and identity, making it easier for the Pakistani government to deny the presence of any individual named Dawood Ibrahim in the country.