Chhota Shakeel splits with Dawood Ibrahim: Intel

Has fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim's long-time and most trusted aide Chhota Shakeel parted ways with his 'bhai'? If sources in India's intelligence agencies are to be believed, he has. He has also moved away from the Clifton area of Karachi, where both he and Dawood have been based ever since they escaped from Mumbai in the 1980s, and is currently holed up at an unknown location owing to safety concerns, sources said.

One of the main reasons for the fallout is reportedly an argument that Shakeel, who is in his 50s, recently had with Dawood over his younger brother Anees Ibrahim's alleged interference. Shakeel, who has played a major role in handling the gang's activities for the past three decades, is reportedly miffed at Anees's attempts to gain the upper hand.

Worried ISI trying to effect Dawood-Shakeel patch-up
Despite Dawood making it clear to his sibling, who stays with him in Pakistan, that he should not come in the way, Anees reportedly exceeded his brief recently, sparking an argument between the gang leader and Shakeel and prompting Shakeel to stay away after that. Known for meeting his confidants in Dubai, Shakeel recently held a meeting with some aides in an East Asian country, sources noted.

Intelligence Bureau sources said Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) however is trying to broker peace between Dawood and his key aide as it fears the break-up would have a negative impact on its anti-India activities, including terror activities. A meeting is to be held on Friday between senior members of the two camps to try and patch up. The ISI succeeded in carrying out the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai with the help of the Dawood gang, and Shakeel is one of the key accused wanted in the case.

Also, sources said that as of now, only a few core members of the gang in Mumbai, Pakistan and Dubai are aware of the latest developments. Those of the core group who are in Mumbai are reportedly worried as gang members here have all along been taking orders from Shakeel on behalf of Dawood and do not know whose word will be final now. Their other reason for worry is that the reported split will affect all their activities including drugdealing, the hawala trade, contract killings and extortion. A few builders financially backed by Dawood will also be affected, sources said.

Officials of the Mumbai crime branch are also keeping a close tab on developments. "We are keeping a watch. Any break-up in the gang would automatically weaken it," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.

In the past, Abu Salem, Chhota Rajan and Fahim Machmach had parted ways with Dawood and formed their own rival gangs. Shakeel, in fact, orchestrated an attack on Dawood's arch rival Rajan in Bangkok in the year 2000.