Delhi: With reports of Dawood Ibrahim, India’s most wanted terrorist and said to be the mastermind of 1993 Mumbai serial blasts suffering from gangrene which could be life-threatening, a former police officer has said that the mafia don's trusted lieutenant Chhota Shakeel is likely to be his successor.
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Shamsher Khan Pathan, who investigated Mumbai's underworld for many years, was quoted by NDTV as saying, "Chhota Shakeel is likely to be Dawood's successor since he is very aggressive."
However, Pathan added that he was "doubtful" about the health of the underworld don.
"I don't think Pakistani officials are foolish enough to aid Dawood openly. If it is then the (Indian) government should act in haste, since they have been saying that Dawood does not live there," Pathan added.
CNN-News18 had reported that as per the doctors gangrene was at such an advanced stage that it had left Dawood immobile.
At the same time, his gangrene is reportedly life-threatening.
The report had added that gangrene was caused by loss of effective local blood supply due to high BP blood sugar and doctors treating Dawood had said that may have to amputate his legs.
The mafia don is said to be at his Clifton neighbourhood residence and is being treated at Liaquat National Hospital and Combined Military Hospital, both in Karachi.
Meanwhile, media reports today quoted Chhota Shakeel denying that Dawood was seriously ill.
Shakeel reportedly said his boss was"perfectly fit."
Despite India giving many dossier to Pakistan on the mafia don, it has been maintaining that Dawood is not in their country.
There is also an Interpol red corner notice against Dawood for his role in the 1993 blasts.
And, in 2003, US designated him as a global terrorist with links to terror groups.
