New Delhi: Intelligence agencies have reportedly uncovered a fresh attempt by the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate to establish a network of sharpshooters across northern India and neighbouring regions to carry out a series of targeted killings aimed at spreading fear among the public.
According to intelligence officials, the proposed network differs from previous criminal operations linked to the syndicate. Rather than targeting prominent politicians or nationally known personalities, the focus is expected to be on individuals who are influential or well-known within their local communities.
Officials believe the strategy is designed to create a climate of uncertainty and fear through repeated acts of violence that, while individually attracting limited national attention, collectively generate widespread public anxiety.
“The objective appears to be the execution of a series of targeted killings at regular intervals to establish a pattern and create a sense of insecurity among the public,” an intelligence official said.
Security agencies noted similarities between the reported plan and incidents witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir in previous years, where selective attacks were carried out against local figures accused by terror groups of assisting security forces.
Investigators claim the syndicate intends to maintain a sustained campaign of low-profile killings across different states. The selection of victims would reportedly be left largely to local operatives, while the central directive would be to ensure that attacks occur periodically and follow a discernible pattern.
The development comes shortly after security agencies dismantled a Dawood-linked module allegedly operated by his close associate, Munna Jhingada, from Pakistan. The network was reportedly planning coordinated blasts at key locations and had recruited several operatives, including a Nepali national.
The module was busted through a joint operation involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Officials described the operation as a major setback for the Dawood syndicate.
According to investigators, the dismantled network allegedly enjoyed support from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which had reportedly viewed the module as a key component of its operations in India. Following its exposure, the syndicate is believed to have been directed to formulate a new strategy.
Officials allege that the proposed sharpshooter network is also being supervised by Munna Jhingada, whose real name is Sayyad Muzzakkir Muddasar Hussain. Investigators describe him as a long-time operative who managed contract shooters for the Dawood gang and maintained close links with Dawood aide Chhota Shakeel.
Jhingada allegedly participated in several contract killings and was reportedly entrusted with the task of targeting rival gangster Chhota Rajan in Thailand. Following the unsuccessful operation, he was arrested and spent 17 years in a Thai prison before being extradited to Pakistan after completing his sentence.
Given his experience and past involvement in organised crime operations, intelligence agencies believe he has now been assigned the responsibility of developing the new network.
Officials further claim that recruitment efforts are likely to focus on individuals from Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh. To minimise the risk of detection, operatives would generally be deployed outside their home states, reducing the likelihood of being identified by local law enforcement agencies familiar with their records.
Security agencies are closely monitoring the situation and tracking any attempts to establish such networks, while continuing efforts to dismantle organised crime and terror-linked modules operating across the country.
