New Delhi, Oct 20 (NationPress) While mafia leader Dawood Ibrahim continues to bask in the protection provided by Pakistan, there are emerging concerns about a potential resurgence of the underworld in India.

The Dawood Ibrahim syndicate is seeking renewed attention, prompting an increase in extortion threats across the nation.

With the fear of Dawood significantly diminished, the gang's operations have faced a notable decline, particularly in Maharashtra, which serves as the syndicate's primary base.

Intelligence Bureau officials indicate that the D-Gang relies heavily on instilling fear, and its diminished presence has made operational activities challenging.

Dawood Ibrahim, who profits from the narcotics trade, is under pressure following the Indian government's extensive crackdown on the drug mafia. Numerous drug busts in recent months have caused substantial financial setbacks for the D-Gang.

Law enforcement officials investigating the gang's activities report a significant rise in drug seizures, resulting in the Dawood network losing its stronghold.

This situation has led to a drastic decline in new recruits. The allure of joining the underworld has significantly faded, impacting Dawood and his associates. To effectively operate in India, the gang is in dire need of new members to facilitate their drug operations. The shortage of manpower is severely hindering their activities.

Officials assert that the Dawood gang appears to be losing its power. Their influence within police, political, and Bollywood circles is waning, largely due to the diminishing scale of their recent operations.

Consequently, Dawood and his associates in Pakistan have opted to re-strategize. They decided to temporarily scale back the drug business until they can increase their ranks through recruitment. The new plan involves establishing an abduction and extortion racket, which not only aims to generate revenue but also to restore the fear associated with the underworld.

The gang intends to engage in high-profile kidnappings to demand ransom.

Moreover, they plan to set up extortion cells throughout various regions of the country to solicit funds.

Officials note that the motive behind this is not primarily financial; the D-Gang possesses sufficient funds but seeks to reinstate the fear factor. Their goal is to recreate the atmosphere of the 1980s when the underworld thrived, capturing the imagination of youth.

As a result, the D-Gang, based in Karachi, has resolved to establish numerous extortion cells nationwide, with a significant focus on Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is actively monitoring these cells. Recently, the Crime Branch dismantled one such gang operating under Dawood Ibrahim's orders, managed by Sajid Electricwala and his associate Shabbir Siddiqui. Last week, another case surfaced where the D-Gang had demanded Rs 5 crore from cricketer Rinku Singh, whose team has been routinely threatened for extortion payments.

In another incident, Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of the late NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, received threats for a ransom of Rs 10 crore. Two suspects, Mohammad Dilshad and Mohammed David, were apprehended in Trinidad and Tobago with assistance from Interpol. This case is also tied to the Dawood network.

These escalating incidents indicate a clear intention from Dawood Ibrahim to re-establish the underworld in India, as he seeks to create fear and chaos among the populace through the formation of extortion cells.