Uncover 10 Gangsters of the India World Didn't know about

India has a rich tapestry of history, filled with tales of valour, mystique, and even a few rogues.

Among them are some fascinating characters who carved their names in the annals of crime. From daring heists to legendary turf wars, these historical gangsters have left an indelible mark on Indian folklore.

So, let's delve into the colorful world of seven notorious gangsters from India's past.

Haji Mastan,

Known as the "Sultan of Mumbai," Haji Mastan was one of the pioneers of the Mumbai underworld. Starting as a small-time smuggler, he rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s, commanding vast networks involved in smuggling, bootlegging, and real estate. Despite his criminal endeavors, Mastan was also known for his philanthropy, earning him a Robin Hood-like reputation among the masses.

Varadarajan Mudaliar,

Popularly known as "Vardha Bhai," Mudaliar was a prominent figure in the underworld of Chennai. He controlled a vast empire involved in smuggling, illegal gambling, and contract killings. His larger-than-life persona and strategic alliances made him a formidable force in South India's criminal underworld during the 1970s and 80s.

Dawood Ibrahim,

Perhaps the most infamous name on this list, Dawood Ibrahim is synonymous with organized crime in India. Rising from the streets of Mumbai, he established the D-Company, a criminal syndicate involved in smuggling, extortion, and terrorism. Dawood's notoriety reached international levels, making him one of the most wanted men in India.

Karim Lala,

Another luminary of Mumbai's underworld, Karim Lala was a kingpin during the 1960s. Alongside Haji Mastan, he dominated the smuggling and bootlegging scene in Mumbai. Lala was known for his suave demeanor and strategic alliances with politicians and policemen, which helped him expand his criminal empire.

Maya Dolas,

Known as the "Robin Hood of Mumbai," Maya Dolas was a prominent figure in the Mumbai underworld during the 1990s. He was a key member of the infamous D-Company and was involved in numerous shootouts with law enforcement. Despite his criminal activities, Dolas was seen as a folk hero among the marginalized communities of Mumbai's slums.

Abu Salem,

A protege of Dawood Ibrahim, Abu Salem was involved in extortion, smuggling, and contract killings. He gained notoriety for his role in the 1993 Bombay bombings, which killed hundreds of people. Salem's criminal exploits spanned continents, with his extradition from Portugal to India marking a significant victory for law enforcement.

Chhota Rajan,

Once a lieutenant of Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan later became his bitter rival. Rajan operated his own criminal syndicate involved in extortion, drug trafficking, and contract killings. Despite being on the run for years, he was eventually arrested in Indonesia and extradited to India, where he faced multiple charges.

Amar Naik,

Known for his involvement in the Mumbai underworld during the 1980s and 1990s, Amar Naik was a key member of the Arun Gawli gang. He was involved in extortion, murder, and other criminal activities.

Arun Gawli,

A former gangster turned politician, Arun Gawli was associated with the Mumbai underworld and operated the Akhil Bharatiya Sena political party. He was involved in extortion, murder, and other criminal activities

Ravi Pujari,

Operating primarily from abroad, Ravi Pujari is known for his involvement in extortion and threats against Bollywood celebrities and businessmen. He has been linked to several high-profile cases.

These historical gangsters may have operated outside the bounds of the law, but their stories continue to captivate the imagination of many. From their rise to power to their eventual downfall, each one adds a colorful chapter to India's rich tapestry of history.

Love them or loathe them, their legacy is etched in the sands of time, reminding us of the darker shades of human nature that lurk beneath the surface.