The Dawood Ibrahim syndicate is reportedly organizing a new group of sharpshooters in northern India and neighboring regions to carry out targeted killings of high-profile individuals. Unlike previous networks, this one aims to target well-known local individuals rather than politicians or public figures. The objective is to instill fear and panic through a series of planned killings that may not attract national attention individually.
Intelligence agencies have noted similarities between this pattern and past incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, where influential locals accused of aiding security agencies were selectively targeted. The syndicate’s plan is to create a sense of uncertainty and anxiety by executing a sustained campaign of violence, targeting ordinary individuals chosen randomly. The network aims to ensure killings occur at regular intervals and follow a distinct pattern.
Security agencies recently dismantled a Dawood-linked module operated by Munna Jhingada from Pakistan, which was planning blasts at key locations and had recruited individuals, including a Nepali national. The module’s exposure dealt a blow to the syndicate, backed by Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence. Following this, the syndicate is said to be devising a fresh strategy for its operations.
The new sharpshooter network is reportedly overseen by Jhingada, known as Sayyad Muzzakkir Muddasar Hussain, who has managed the gang’s contract shooters and reported to Dawood’s aide, Chhota Shakeel. Jhingada, with a history of successful shootings, has been tasked with leading this network. The objective is to conduct low-profile killings across the country at regular intervals to create fear and anxiety among the public, making them wary of random shootings.
Operatives recruited for the network are expected to come from Punjab, Mumbai, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. To avoid detection, shooters are likely to be deployed in states other than their own, preventing police scrutiny.
