India has had its fair share of notorious gangsters who have left a deep imprint on the country’s criminal history. From the early 20th century to the present day, these gangsters have operated across various regions of India and have been involved in activities such as extortion, smuggling, and murder. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 most notorious gangsters in India.
1. Dawood Ibrahim
Dawood Ibrahim is perhaps the most infamous gangster in India’s history. He was born in Mumbai and rose to notoriety in the 1980s and 1990s as the leader of the D-Company, which was involved in extortion, smuggling, and terrorism. He is believed to have masterminded the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which killed over 250 people. Dawood Ibrahim is currently believed to be living in Pakistan, and India has been trying to extradite him for many years.
2. Chhota Rajan
Chhota Rajan, whose real name is Rajendra Nikhalje, is a former member of Dawood Ibrahim’s gang who later broke away and formed his own gang. He was one of India’s most wanted fugitives until his arrest in 2015 in Indonesia. He is believed to have been involved in multiple murders, including the murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011.
3. Varadarajan Mudaliar
Varadarajan Mudaliar, also known as Vardha Bhai, was a gangster from Chennai who rose to power in the 1960s and 1970s. He was involved in various criminal activities such as smuggling, extortion, and contract killings. He died of natural causes in 1988, but his legacy still lives on.
4. Haji Mastan
Haji Mastan was a gangster from Mumbai who was involved in smuggling and the film industry. He was known for his close relationships with Bollywood celebrities and politicians. He died in 1994, but his life has inspired many films and books.
5. Karim Lala
Karim Lala was a gangster from Mumbai who was active in the 1960s and 1970s. He was involved in smuggling, extortion, and gambling. He was known for his close ties with the Mumbai police and politicians.
6. Abu Salem
Abu Salem is a gangster who was associated with Dawood Ibrahim’s gang. He was involved in multiple murders and extortion cases. He was extradited to India from Portugal in 2005 and is currently serving a life sentence for his crimes.
7. Arun Gawli
Arun Gawli, also known as Daddy, is a former gangster who turned politician. He was involved in smuggling and extortion before entering politics in the 1990s. He has been convicted of multiple murders and is currently serving a life sentence.
8. Maya Dolas
Maya Dolas was a gangster from Mumbai who was active in the 1990s. He was involved in multiple murders and was known for his ruthlessness. He was killed in an encounter with the police in 1991.
9. Ravi Pujari
Ravi Pujari is a gangster who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan. He has been involved in multiple extortion cases and has been linked to Dawood Ibrahim’s gang. He is also believed to have been involved in the 2009 attack on the Indian Premier League cricket tournament.
10. Munna Bajrangi
Munna Bajrangi, whose real name was Prem Prakash Singh, was a gangster from Uttar Pradesh. He was involved in multiple murders and was known for his close ties with politicians. He was killed in prison in 2018 by a fellow inmate.
These are the top 10 most notorious gangsters in India, who have left a deep impact on the country’s criminal history. They have been involved in various criminal activities such as smuggling, extortion, and murder, and their stories have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Some of them are still at large, while others are serving life sentences or have been killed in encounters or in prison. While their actions have caused great harm to society, they also serve as a reminder of the need for greater law enforcement and the importance of combating organized crime.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The author and publisher of this article do not condone or support any criminal activities or the actions of the individuals mentioned herein. The article is not intended to glorify or promote any illegal or unethical behavior, but rather to provide a historical account of notorious gangsters in India. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise discretion when consuming content related to organized crime.