Not satisfied with the US treasury department merely declaring Chhota Shakeel a narcotics trafficker, Indian intelligence agencies now want to go a step further and get the United States to declare him a “specially designated global terrorist” like his mentor Dawood Ibrahim.
It is for this reason that Indian intelligence agencies clearly stated in the comprehensive dossier on Shakeel handed over to the US that “Chhota Shakeel is now the main person in Dawood Ibrahim’s gang coordinating with terrorist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and the Taliban, which in turn have links with Al Qaeda”.
The dossier states: “There is enough evidence to prove Chhota Shakeel is virtually controlling the entire narco-terror operations of Dawood Ibrahim and providing financial and logistical support to operatives of both Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and the Taliban... There is a strong case for declaring Chhota Shakeel a global terrorist in view of his increasing support to terror outfits that operate globally.” Interestingly, India had provided incriminating evidence to the US on Dawood Ibrahim as well, after which it declared him a “specially designated global terrorist” in 2003.
A senior intelligence official said: “After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks there has been a great deal of exchange of information and cooperation on terror and organised crime, particularly the activities of the D Company, between Indian and US agencies. Shakeel and Tiger Memon were declared narcotics smugglers because of this. We are hopeful the US will now move to the next level in initiating action against Shakeel.”
The dossier notes how Shakeel had risen within the D Company’s ranks by virtually controlling the gang’s key operations. “His growing clout can be judged from the fact that he was given more responsibility than even Dawood’s brothers,” the official said.
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Bikers attack Delhi judges
New Delhi: A minor accident at Ambedkar Nagar in south Delhi on Thursday evening led to a violent scuffle in which two judges of Saket district court were assaulted by two bikers who have been arrested.
Police officials said the incident took place at around 5.30 pm on Thursday in J block, Dakshinpuri.