Indian minister says Dawood Ibrahim 'in Pakistan', will be brought back

Published May 11, 2015
Rajnath Singh says India has evidence of Ibrahim's presence in Pakistan. ─ AFP/File
Rajnath Singh says India has evidence of Ibrahim's presence in Pakistan. ─ AFP/File

NEW DELHI: Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha on Monday that India had evidence of Dawood Ibrahim’s presence in Pakistan, and would bring him back “no matter what”, reported NDTV.

"Whether we have to pursue Pakistan or put pressure, we will not rest until we get Dawood Ibrahim back,” said Singh. The home minister said that the Indian government would do everything in its power to bring Ibrahim back.

Singh's statement comes days after India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Chaudhry told parliament that India did not know of Ibrahim's exact whereabouts.

Read more: No idea where Dawood Ibrahim is, Indian government tells parliament

Chaudhry had said that "the subject has not been located so far. Extradition process with regard to Dawood Ibrahim would be initiated once the subject is located”. This is in slight contradiction to the statements issued by successive Indian governments in the past.

Chaudhry's statement of largely interpreted as implying that New Delhi did not know whether Ibrahim was in Pakistan, following which the minister stated that India was aware of Ibrahim's presence in Pakistan, but was not sure of his precise location.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, Singh said that despite “all documents and overwhelming proof of his [Ibrahim’s] presence”, Pakistan had failed to track him down or take any action against him.

Pakistan denies Indian charges that it shelters Dawood Ibrahim — one of India's most wanted men — ever since the don became a fugitive for his alleged role in the serial bomb blasts that hit Mumbai in 1993 in apparent retaliation for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992. Over 250 people were killed in the attacks.

Ibrahim stands convicted in absentia in India for the blasts, together with several Mumbai accomplices.

Read more: Pakistan’s stand vindicated on Dawood Ibrahim issue: envoy

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...