Dawood Ibrahim poisoned? Social media abuzz but no official word

Notorious underworld don and terror mastermind Dawood Ibrahim has reportedly been hospitalised in Pakistan's Karachi, following health complications, with some media outlets suggesting poisoning.

According to reports, Dawood Ibrahim was poisoned by "unknown persons" and is "undergoing treatment" under high-security arrangements. There were also reports about his death which has set the social media abuzz with speculations.

However, there was no official word either from the Indian or the Pakistani officials on the reports.

Dawood Ibrahim is one of the most wanted fugitives in the world and has been labelled as a “global terrorist” by India and the United States. He is also the founder of the crime syndicate D-Company.

The ISI-backed terror mastermind is wanted by the Indian government in a series of cases including the March 12, 1993 serial blasts case which claimed 257 lives, injured 713 others besides damaging properties worth over Rs 26 crore.

Some media outlets also reported that internet is down in Pakistan due to Dawood Ibrahim's health status, but it has been widely covered that the nation was facing connectivity issues amid ex-PM Imran Khan's online opposition rally.

An official of the Maharashtra Police, when contacted, refused to comment on the development. “We are hearing the same thing as you are hearing,” the official said.

The police are also maintaining a close watch on the Mumbai-based relatives of Dawood Ibrahim.

Dawood’s close aide Chhota Shakeel, while speaking to a news channel, claimed that the reports are false.

“He is alive and healthy. This is fake news…every year some people spread such news,” he said, adding that Dawood Ibrahim is perfectly okay.

Dawood is the son of a constable of the Mumbai Police. He was born in Khed in Ratnagiri district and his family stayed in the Dongri area of Mumbai for some time.

Indian authorities have long claimed that the underworld figure has been residing in Karachi's Clifton area.