Pressure is increasing on Dawood Ibrahim as Indian security agencies have dismantled several modules associated with his network recently. In response, Pakistani handlers, particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), are adjusting their tactics to divert attention from Dawood and reduce scrutiny around him. Pakistani gangster Abid Jatt’s name has emerged frequently in investigations into alleged recruitment drives by ISI asset Shahzad Bhatti. Recruits were reportedly offered money to carry out targeted shootings, gather sensitive information, and promote Jatt’s profile through posters at various locations.
An Intelligence Bureau official clarified that the posters were not just for glorification but to instill fear, with the primary aim being to shift focus away from the Dawood gang. The ISI’s current strategy seems to be keeping Dawood out of the limelight for the time being. The uncovering of underworld-linked modules by the Delhi Police Special Cell led to the identification of Bhatti as the orchestrator, with repeated mentions of Jatt in his directives to popularize Jatt’s name in northern India.
Officials emphasized that Jatt operates within the Dawood network and is being highlighted recently to divert attention from Dawood’s activities. The ISI is reportedly keen on avoiding renewed scrutiny of Dawood and terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Dawood’s involvement in raising funds, especially through the narcotics trade, is crucial for financing terror operations against India, making it imperative for the ISI to keep his name low-key.
The emergence of Bhatti and Jatt in the spotlight has raised questions about their capabilities, with officials noting their close ties to the Dawood network. Both individuals are seen as leveraging the existing infrastructure and financial support of the D-gang. Bhatti’s recruitment tactics through social media and Jatt’s portrayal as a Pakistan-based crime boss are viewed as part of a larger diversion strategy orchestrated by the ISI to shield Dawood’s operations.
Despite the sudden prominence of Bhatti and Jatt, intelligence agencies caution against interpreting this as a sign of Dawood’s inactivity. The ISI’s goal appears to be temporarily shifting attention from Dawood to safeguard the networks facilitating criminal activities from Indian security agencies’ scrutiny.
