Dawood Ibrahim tests positive for coronavirus, hospitalized: Report
Wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim has contracted coronavirus and is admitted to an army hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, News18 reported on Friday citing top government sources. His wife Zubeena Zareen, alias Mehjabeen Shaikh, has also been infected, the report added. His staff has been quarantined. This development debunks Pakistan's long-standing claim that the D-Company boss hasn't been given asylum in the country.
Dawood hails from India, is now a wanted terrorist
Originally from Dongri, Maharashtra, Dawood started his notorious career with smuggling before moving on to serious crimes like waging war against India. His rise to power started in the 1970s and he soon headed the crime syndicate D-Company, which was responsible for one of the bloodiest times in Mumbai's history. The group was involved in gang-wars, murders, kidnapping, extortion, etc.
Dawood planned the 1993 Bombay serial blasts
In 1993, Dawood planned one of the most heinous attacks on India. By joining hands with Pakistan's ISI, he spearheaded the serial bombings, which rocked Mumbai (then Bombay) on March 12. 12 explosions at crowded places in the Maharashtra capital took over 300 lives and left nearly 1,400 injured. His aides Tiger Memon and Yakub Memon were also involved in the brutal attack.
Designated a global terrorist in 2003, Dawood is still absconding
Before he could be brought to trial, Dawood fled to Dubai and is believed to be residing in Pakistan. He is still involved in terror funding, drug trafficking, gunrunning, extortion, and money laundering. In 2003, India and the United States designated him as a "global terrorist". He also features on FBI's World's 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list and has a bounty of $25 million.
Reportedly, Dawood met with other terrorists recently
The latest explosive report about Dawood also claimed that about ten days ago, he met with the top brass of Lashkar-e-Taiba, another terrorist group flourishing in Pakistan. LeT carried out the coordinated attacks on Mumbai in 2008, which took over 150 lives. Pakistan could soon be launching a tracing exercise to test those who might have come in contact with Dawood.
Pakistan has more coronavirus infections than China
On a related note, the total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan stands at 89,249, and 1,838 have passed away. Pakistan has surpassed the tally of China, its all-weather ally, in terms of COVID-19 infections. As infections continue to rise, Minister for Planning Asad Umar said a media campaign is being launched to inform citizens about precautions and urge them to follow SOPs.
