Dongri To Dubai

1. The Rise of Mumbai's Underworld: From Petty Crime to Organized Syndicates

Most criminals from in and around Dongri became increasingly emboldened in their modus operandi as their crimes went undetected.

Early Days of Crime: Mumbai's underworld began with petty crimes like theft and robbery, often perpetrated by migrants seeking quick money. These early gangs, like the Allahabadi and Johnny gangs, were localized and lacked the sophistication of later organizations. The city's rapid growth and influx of people created an environment where crime could easily flourish.

Evolution of Gangs: As time passed, these small gangs evolved into more organized entities, engaging in activities like drug trafficking and extortion. The emergence of figures like Ibrahim Dada marked a shift towards more structured criminal operations. The turf wars between these gangs were often violent, but they were still largely confined to specific areas of the city.

The Rise of Organized Crime: The imposition of prohibition in the 1950s created a lucrative black market for liquor, which further fueled the growth of organized crime. This period saw the rise of powerful figures who would shape the Mumbai underworld for decades to come. The city's docks and markets became hubs for smuggling and other illicit activities, attracting ambitious individuals seeking wealth and power.

2. Haji Mastan: The Smuggler King and His Empire

I believe I can still become bambai ka baadshah someday.

From Coolie to Kingpin: Mastan's journey from a dock coolie to a smuggling kingpin is a classic rags-to-riches story. His early experiences at the docks exposed him to the lucrative world of smuggling, and he quickly learned how to evade customs and make a fortune. His partnership with Shaikh Mohammed Al Ghalib was a turning point, teaching him the intricacies of the gold trade.

The Gold Smuggling Empire: Mastan's empire was built on the illegal import of gold, watches, and other luxury goods. He developed a sophisticated network of contacts and collaborators, including Sukur Narayan Bakhiya, who helped him expand his operations. Mastan's success was not just due to his business acumen but also his ability to cultivate relationships with powerful figures, including customs officials and politicians.

Mastan's Legacy: Mastan's story is a testament to the power of ambition and the allure of wealth. He was a shrewd businessman who understood the importance of both money and muscle. His rise to power marked a significant shift in the Mumbai underworld, paving the way for future dons. He also understood the importance of image and cultivated a public persona that was both feared and respected.

3. Varadarajan Mudaliar: The South Indian Don and His Network

Keep people’s bellies full and balls empty.

The Madrasi Mobster: Varadarajan Mudaliar, known as "Vardha Bhai," was a South Indian migrant who rose to power through the illicit liquor trade. His network was built on the support of fellow Tamil migrants, creating a powerful force in central Mumbai. He was known for his shrewdness and ability to manipulate the system.

Illicit Liquor and Beyond: Varda's empire was built on the production and distribution of illicit liquor, which he controlled through a network of bhattis (furnaces) and distributors. He also expanded into other areas, including prostitution and dock theft. His control over the migrant population gave him significant political influence.

Varda's Methods: Varda was a master of logistics and organization, creating a highly efficient system for the production and distribution of illicit goods. He was also known for his ability to keep both his men and the police happy, using bribes and intimidation to maintain his power. His generosity towards the poor also helped him build a loyal following.

4. Karim Lala and the Pathan Influence: Muscle and Mediation

I want to make friends with you as I want to use your muscle power and clout in the city.

The Pathan Leader: Karim Lala, a towering Pathan from Peshawar, came to Mumbai seeking fortune. He started as a moneylender and gambling den owner, eventually becoming the leader of the Pathan community in the city. His physical presence and reputation for ruthlessness made him a formidable figure.

Mediation and Eviction: Karim Lala became known for his ability to mediate disputes and evict tenants, using his muscle power to enforce his decisions. His word was law in many parts of south Mumbai, and his influence extended beyond the Pathan community. He was a master of intimidation and used his reputation to maintain his power.

Alliance with Mastan: Karim Lala's alliance with Haji Mastan was a turning point in his career, giving him access to the lucrative world of smuggling. He provided the muscle for Mastan's operations, while Mastan provided the financial backing and connections. This alliance solidified their position as the most powerful figures in the Mumbai underworld.

5. Dawood Ibrahim: From Dongri Streets to Global Infamy

Power flows from the barrel of a gun.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings: Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, born in Dongri, was drawn to crime at a young age. His early activities included petty theft and extortion, but he quickly rose through the ranks, displaying a natural talent for leadership and organization. His father, a police constable, tried to steer him away from crime, but Dawood was determined to make his mark.

Rise to Power: Dawood's rise to power was marked by his ability to outmaneuver his rivals and consolidate his control over the Mumbai underworld. He was ruthless and ambitious, and he used violence and intimidation to achieve his goals. His gang, known as D Company, became one of the most feared criminal organizations in the world.

Global Terrorist: Dawood's involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts and his subsequent designation as a global terrorist by the US Treasury Department marked a turning point in his career. He became an international fugitive, wanted by multiple countries for his crimes. His story is a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition.

6. The Mumbai Mafia's Bollywood Connection: Money, Power, and Glamour

Film industry shouldn’t be afraid of me.

Bollywood and the Underworld: The Mumbai mafia has always had a close relationship with Bollywood, using the film industry as a source of money, power, and glamour. Dons like Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim were known for their lavish parties and their connections with film stars. This relationship was often a mix of mutual benefit and coercion.

Extortion and Funding: The mafia used extortion and threats to control the film industry, demanding money from producers and actors. They also invested heavily in film production, using Bollywood as a means of laundering their ill-gotten gains. This created a complex web of relationships between the underworld and the film world.

The Glamour of Crime: The mafia's association with Bollywood gave them a certain allure, making them seem glamorous and powerful. This image was often perpetuated in films, which romanticized the lives of gangsters. The line between reality and fiction became blurred, further complicating the relationship between the underworld and the film industry.

7. The Cycle of Violence: Gang Wars, Betrayals, and Revenge

The bomb blasts were a conspiracy to distance me from the people who loved me.

The Seeds of Conflict: The Mumbai underworld is characterized by a constant cycle of violence, betrayal, and revenge. Gang wars were common, with rival groups constantly vying for power and territory. These conflicts often resulted in bloodshed and loss of life.

Betrayal and Revenge: Betrayal was a common theme in the Mumbai underworld, with alliances shifting and loyalties changing. Revenge was a powerful motivator, driving many of the conflicts between rival gangs. The killing of Sabir Ibrahim, Dawood's brother, triggered a series of retaliatory attacks that shook the city.

The Cycle Continues: The cycle of violence in the Mumbai underworld seemed never-ending, with each act of aggression leading to another. The killings of Iqbal Natiq, Babu Reshim, and others fueled the flames of revenge, perpetuating the cycle of violence. This cycle of violence continues to this day, with new gangs and new rivalries emerging.

8. The 1993 Mumbai Blasts: A Turning Point for the Underworld

The bomb blasts were a conspiracy to distance me from the people who loved me.

The Mumbai Blasts: The 1993 Mumbai serial bombings were a watershed moment in the history of the city and the underworld. The attacks, which killed 257 people and injured over 700 others, were a clear indication of the mafia's growing power and its willingness to use violence to achieve its goals. The blasts were a turning point for Dawood, who was named as one of the accused.

Dawood's Exile: The blasts forced Dawood to cut his ties with India and relocate to Dubai, and later to Karachi. He became an international fugitive, wanted by multiple countries for his role in the attacks. The blasts also marked a shift in the nature of the Mumbai underworld, with the focus shifting from local crime to international terrorism.

The Aftermath: The blasts had a profound impact on the city, creating a climate of fear and suspicion. The police launched a massive crackdown on the underworld, arresting hundreds of suspects. The blasts also exposed the deep-seated communal tensions in the city, which had been simmering beneath the surface for years.

9. Dawood's Global Reach: From Dubai to Karachi and Beyond

I am a businessman not a don.

Dubai as a Base: After leaving India, Dawood established a base in Dubai, where he continued to run his criminal empire. He used his connections in the Middle East to expand his operations, engaging in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities. Dubai became a hub for his global network.

Relocation to Karachi: As pressure mounted on the UAE government, Dawood relocated to Karachi, Pakistan, where he found refuge under the protection of the ISI. He continued to operate his criminal empire from Karachi, using his connections in Pakistan to expand his reach. His move to Karachi further complicated the efforts to bring him to justice.

Global Network: Dawood's network extended across the globe, with operations in multiple countries, including India, Nepal, Thailand, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. His influence reached into various sectors, including real estate, gambling, and drug trafficking. His story is a testament to the global reach of organized crime.

10. The Enduring Legacy of the Mumbai Mafia: A City Under Shadow

I am a businessman not a don.

The Cycle of Violence Continues: Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the Mumbai mafia continues to operate, albeit in a more clandestine manner. The cycle of violence and revenge continues, with new gangs and new rivalries emerging. The city remains under the shadow of the underworld.

The Influence of the Mafia: The Mumbai mafia's influence extends beyond the realm of crime, reaching into politics, business, and even Bollywood. Their ability to manipulate the system and corrupt institutions remains a major challenge for the city. The legacy of the Mumbai mafia is a complex mix of fear, fascination, and corruption.

The Future of the Underworld: The future of the Mumbai underworld is uncertain, but it is clear that the city will continue to grapple with the challenges posed by organized crime. The rise of new technologies and the changing global landscape will likely shape the future of the mafia, but its enduring legacy will continue to cast a shadow over the city.

Last updated: April 25, 2025