Statesman News Service

NEW DELHI, Aug. 9: In the wake of conflicting reports on underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim’s detention in Quetta along with his associates, the Central Bureau of Investigation today asked the Pakistani Federal Investigating Agency to verify the issue.

In a letter written by the CBI to the FIA through Interpol, it asked Pakistan’s premier investigating agency to confirm reports pouring in about Dawood Ibrahim. There were two reports, one that he sustained a bullet injury in a shootout in Karachi, and another that he along with his associates, Tiger Memon and Chotta Shakeel, were detained near Quetta by the ISI.

“India is keen on seeking Dawood’s deportation as he and his associates are Indian citizens and wanted for many acts of terrorism in the country,” the CBI letter stated. Though India has already got a red corner notice issued against Dawood via Interpol, the letter to FIA is a move to ensure his deportation if the Pakistan government admits his presence in the country. The Indian government is also seeking information from the Pakistan government through
diplomatic channels, and through external intelligence agencies like RAW (Research and Analysis Wing). The Intelligence Bureau is also keeping a close watch on the known telephone calls made by his close associates and relatives during the past fortnight to ascertain the veracity of the reports.

Dawood, who was designated a global terrorist by the US recently for his alleged links with Al-Qaida, is wanted in India in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.