A fresh crackdown on the alleged nexus between organised crime and cross-border operatives has led to the arrest of an alleged D-Company associate in Mumbai. The suspect, identified as Huzaifa, was taken into custody following a series of late-night raids conducted by central agencies as part of an investigation into suspected links between Pakistan's intelligence establishment and the Mumbai underworld.
Officials believe the arrest could provide crucial leads into how criminal networks operating from abroad continue to maintain influence and recruit individuals within India. Investigators are now examining whether local youths were being targeted for recruitment into D-Company activities through handlers allegedly based in Pakistan.
Agencies focus on recruitment and communication channels
According to News 18, Huzaifa is believed to be closely associated with Munna Jhingada, an alleged senior D-Company operative currently suspected to be operating from Pakistan. Investigators are questioning him to determine the scale of the network and the nature of instructions allegedly passed on from handlers across the border.
The inquiry is also examining whether any operational targets, recruitment plans or logistical support mechanisms were being coordinated through underworld channels linked to Karachi-based operatives. Officials are particularly interested in understanding how communication between overseas handlers and local contacts was maintained.
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Munna Jhingada emerges as a key figure in probe
According to News 18, Munna Jhingada, also known as Syed Mudassar Hussain, has long been on the radar of Indian security agencies. Investigators describe him as a senior operative within the D-Company network with alleged links to fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and his close associate Chhota Shakeel.
His name has surfaced in several criminal and security-related investigations over the years. More recently, authorities linked him to an alleged terror module whose members were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks in multiple Indian cities. Investigators suspect Jhingada played a coordinating role from abroad while maintaining contact with Pakistan-based handlers.
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Spotlight returns to Dawood network
According to News 18, the latest operation comes amid renewed efforts by Indian agencies to dismantle the transnational infrastructure associated with D-Company. Earlier this year, authorities secured the return of alleged Dawood aide Mohammad Salim Dola after he was detained by Turkish authorities and deported to India.
For decades, Indian investigators have alleged that Dawood Ibrahim's criminal network has maintained close ties with Pakistan's intelligence establishment. Authorities have repeatedly accused the syndicate of involvement in organised crime, terror financing and facilitating cross-border operations.
The gangster remains one of India's most wanted fugitives for his alleged role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings. International attention on the network intensified when the United States Department of the Treasury designated Dawood a global terrorist in 2003, citing alleged links between D-Company, Pakistan-based elements and terrorist organisations.
