Most Wanted Criminals In India

People involved in crimes of terrorism, organized crime, money laundering, and high-profile murders are included in India's most wanted list. Most of these criminals commit a variety of crimes in India and have also created significant international networks, which allow them to escape arrest by law enforcement authorities.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and other security agencies, mainly state police forces, catch such people.

In today's article, we will learn about those people who are the Most Wanted Criminals In India. Along with this, we will also understand the efforts being made by the agency and bureau to catch these criminals.

Why Are These Criminals Wanted?

There are many reasons for placing a person on the most wanted list. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Serious crimes: Most wanted criminals are usually those who have committed the most serious crimes such as those who may be accused of terrorism, murder, kidnapping or financial fraud. They pose serious harm to individuals and wider society.
• Flight risk: A person is most likely to be a flight risk because if authorities think someone is a flight risk they will flee the country, or otherwise escape. This usually happens to people who have been accused of serious crimes or who come from wealthy backgrounds.
• Public safety: Sometimes a person ends up on the most wanted list because they are dangerous to the public. For example, you may be a suspected serial killer or terrorist who is aiming to commit an attack.

Challenges In Apprehending Most Wanted Criminals

Catching most wanted criminals is fraught with many challenges. Some of these challenges are as follows:

• India's large size and diversity: India is a big country filled with people, and law enforcement officials at times may have no luck at all in finding a fugitive. India’s varied population also ups the chance that criminals can come from all parts.
• Corruption: Some parts of India can be corrupt, so law enforcement agencies may be hindered in doing their job. There may be corrupt officials who may give information about fugitives or hinder investigations.
• Lack of resources: India's law enforcement agencies may consistently fail to locate and arrest wanted criminals. This may include a lack of manpower, technology, funding, and often other resources.
• International cooperation: This can happen in some cases where wanted criminals will flee to another country. Such arrests of these criminals may involve cooperation with law enforcement agencies in India and other countries. This cooperation can be complex and time-consuming.
• Fake identities and resources: Sophisticated criminals may use fake identities, forge documents, and employ significant resources to evade capture.

Profiles Of India’s Most Wanted Criminals

Dawood Ibrahim

• Background: Dawood Ibrahim is one of the most wanted criminals in India. It turns out he was behind the horrible 1993 Mumbai bombing that left 350 dead and 1200 injured. The biggest mobster Dawood Ibrahim is the son of a Maharastra police officer and is alleged to have taken part in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. He is also said to have kept close working ties with Osama Bin Laden, the former leader of Al Qaeda. Moreover, he was also part of the IPL Scandal about sportfishing.
• Location: Reportedly hiding in Pakistan.
• Crimes: Drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling, among other crimes.

Hafiz Saeed

• Background: The 2nd most wanted criminal is Hafiz Saeed who is Co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and is the leader of Jama'at-ud-Da'Wah. He particularly criticizes India and is charged with planning the September 11 attacks on the U.S. He had still been organizing protests against the United States and Indians even after being placed under house arrest following the attacks of September 11, 2001.
• Location: Appears as operatives based in Pakistan.
• Crimes: Dealing with militancy and terrorism.

Syed Salahuddin

• Background: Syed Salahuddin, the leader of the pro-Pakistan Kashmiri militant group Hizbul Mujahideen wants Kashmir integrated with Pakistan. Syed's group is connected to ISI and has the backing of Pakistan, it is reported. The blame for the continuing and frequent terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir
• Location: Allegedly based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• Crimes: Terrorism and promoting armed insurgency.

Masood Azhar

• Background: Masood runs the militant organization Jais-e-Mohammed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Airlines flight that was hijacked finally landed at Kandahar, Afghanistan, controlled by the Taliban Regime at the time. He is responsible for several attacks including the 2019 Pulwama attack. The United Nations has declared him a global terrorist.
• Location: Believed to have lived in Pakistan.
• Crime: Funding activities of extremists and terrorism.

Ilyas Kashmiri

• Background: Ilyas Kashmiri was a top Al Qaeda terrorist who attacked both India and Pakistan. He was a high-priority target known to plan and execute terrorist activities.
• Location: There is no confirmed evidence of whether he has been killed or not, reports suggest that he may have been killed.
• Crime: Terrorism and armed rebellion and insurgency.

Chhota Shakeel

• Background: Dawood Ibrahim's company is called the D-Company, and Chota Shakeel is a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim. He runs a network of extortion, drug trafficking, and smuggling across India.
• Location: He is suspected to be hiding in Pakistan.
• Crime: Drug trafficking, organized crime, and extortion.

Riyaz Bhatkal

• Background: Riyaz Bhatkal is said to be the co-founder of Indian Mujahideen who is accused of planning bomb blasts in cities across India that killed hundreds of people
• Location: Reportedly hiding in Pakistan.
• Crime: Terrorism and bomb blasts.

Anees Ibrahim

• Background: Anees Ibrahim is an important figure in D company, he is the brother of Dawood Ibrahim. He is responsible for managing the drug network and smuggling operations.
• Location: He is believed to be in Pakistan.
• Crime: Smuggling, money laundering, drug trafficking.

Yasin Bhatkal

• Background: Yasin Bhatkal, another co-founder of Indian Mujahideen was involved in bomb blasts in several places around India. Another prominent figure caught by Indian authorities in 2013, who was affected by his tenure.
• Location: Currently in custody in India.
• Crime: Bomb blasts, terrorism, extremist activities.

Tiger Memon

• Background: Tiger Memon is the main culprit of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. He has long been associated with Dawood Ibrahim and his gangs.
• Location: Believed to be hiding in Pakistan.
• Crime: Organised crime, terrorism and bomb blasts.

Impact Of These Criminals On Society

These criminals have had a significant impact on society in the following ways:

• Loss of life: These people have carried out terror attacks and many people have lost their lives.
• Economic impact: India's economy is now affected by organized crime and drug trafficking.
• Instability: They cause fear and insecurity among the general public.

Efforts Of Indian Law Enforcement To Capture These Criminals

India's security agencies work relentlessly to track down and arrest these fugitives. Efforts include:

• Surveillance and intelligence gathering - to obtain information about their movements and networks.
• Issuing Interpol Red Notice requiring international assistance to capture fugitives.
• Attacking the assets of individuals and companies by limiting their resources.

International Cooperation In Capturing Fugitives

Indian authorities work with countries such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have been key in monitoring the financial records and "easy" locations of some of these criminals. India has also called upon Interpol and the United Nations to impose sanctions against anyone who supports terrorism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India's most wanted criminals are responsible for a range of severe crimes, including terrorism, organized crime, and money laundering, which have caused significant harm to both society and the nation's stability. The challenges in apprehending these criminals are manifold, including issues like the country's vast size, corruption, and international evasion tactics. However, India's law enforcement agencies, including the NIA and CBI, are working tirelessly to track and capture these fugitives, often with the help of international cooperation and intelligence networks. Despite these efforts, many criminals remain at large, continuing to pose threats to public safety and national security. The pursuit of these criminals is crucial to restoring peace and order and ensuring justice for their victims.