In recent days, the internet has been flooded with rumors surrounding the alleged death of notorious fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim in Karachi. Social media platforms were abuzz with reports claiming that Ibrahim had been rushed to a hospital after being poisoned.
Screenshots purportedly showing a message from Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar circulated widely, stating that Dawood had passed away. However, fact-checkers have now clarified that the message was a hoax, and there is no official confirmation of Dawood Ibrahim’s demise.
The viral message, which began with expressions of grief and referred to Ibrahim as “The Messiah of humanity, dear to every Pakistani heart,” claimed that he had succumbed to poisoning in a Karachi hospital. The post concluded with a prayer for his soul, saying, “May Allah grant him the highest position in Jannat. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
Independent fact-checking website DFRAC debunked the circulating message, pointing out that the username in the viral screenshot did not match the official account of Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar. They highlighted that the username in the screenshot contained an extra “k,” and Mr. Kakar had posted his last update on his official account on December 16.
Dawood Ibrahim, born in 1955, gained notoriety for his involvement in criminal activities and was a key figure in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. The blasts, which occurred on March 12, 1993, claimed the lives of 257 individuals, injured over 700, and caused extensive property damage amounting to approximately Rs27 crore. Following the attacks, the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the request of the Maharashtra government.
Several individuals, including Mustafa Dossa and Abu Salem, were convicted in the case on June 16, 2017. Dawood Ibrahim, who is allegedly a wanted terrorist, was said to have masterminded the coordinated bombings that shook Mumbai over two decades ago.
As of now, there is no credible information or confirmation regarding Dawood Ibrahim’s reported death. Users are urged to exercise caution and verify information before sharing unverified news on social media platforms.
