Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in India 2024

Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in India 2024

India has been home to some of the most infamous criminals in the world, whose names are spoken with fear and intrigue. These criminals, from notorious gang leaders to masterminds behind large-scale frauds, have either escaped justice or evaded arrest for years. The government, law enforcement agencies, and even the public are on high alert, trying to bring these individuals to justice. Many of these criminals have been involved in organized crime, terrorism, corruption, and serious violent offenses.

The reasons for their popularity are numerous. Some have committed horrific crimes, while others are simply known for their skill in staying hidden from law enforcement. The lure of power, wealth, and influence has led many of them down dark paths, with victims often left in the wake of their actions. With each passing year, the list of the Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in India 2024 evolves, but the names of some criminals continue to dominate the scene.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at these criminals—unraveling their stories, crimes, and the efforts made to capture them. We will explore the reasons behind their crimes and understand why they continue to remain free. But before we delve into the specifics of each individual on the list, let’s first glance at a quick overview of the Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in India 2024.

Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in India 2024

1. Dawood Ibrahim – The Terror Kingpin

Dawood Ibrahim is undoubtedly one of the most notorious figures in the history of Indian crime. He is the mastermind behind the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which killed over 250 people and injured more than 700. Dawood is believed to have connections with global terror networks and operates through his criminal syndicate, the D-Company, which is involved in various illegal activities including drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms smuggling.

Despite the Indian government’s persistent efforts, Dawood has managed to evade capture by reportedly residing in Pakistan, where he is rumored to be under the protection of the state. His criminal empire continues to thrive, and he remains one of India’s most wanted criminals.

2. Vijay Mallya – The King of Scam

Vijay Mallya, once known as the “King of Good Times,” is an Indian businessman who built an empire in the liquor and aviation sectors. However, his lavish lifestyle came at a steep cost. Mallya is accused of embezzling hundreds of crores from public and private sector banks. His high-profile bankruptcy and subsequent fleeing of the country in 2016 sparked widespread outrage. He is now facing extradition proceedings in the United Kingdom, but his case has drawn attention to financial crimes and corporate malfeasance.

Mallya continues to live in the UK, where he fights extradition charges, while Indian authorities work tirelessly to bring him back to face the law.

3. Chhota Rajan – The Gangster Who Defied the Law

Chhota Rajan was once a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim but later became his rival. He was a feared gangster with a reputation for violence, extortion, and murder. He operated a criminal syndicate involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, and contract killings. His criminal career spanned decades, and he was involved in several high-profile murders.

In 2015, Chhota Rajan was arrested in Indonesia after years of evading the authorities. He is currently serving a prison sentence in India. His case is a classic example of how gangsters evolve, thrive, and sometimes, fall.

4. Tiger Memon – The Mastermind of the 1993 Bombay Bombings

Tiger Memon, one of the key players in the 1993 Bombay bombings, is another fugitive on India’s most wanted list. He orchestrated the bombings that shook Mumbai, which were retaliatory strikes against the 1992 communal riots. Memon’s links to Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal syndicate make him an extremely dangerous individual.

Despite his involvement in the tragic event, Memon has managed to escape the long arm of Indian law, reportedly hiding out in Pakistan. His case is a chilling reminder of the destructive power of organized terrorism.

5. Subhash Thakur – The Face of Extortion

Subhash Thakur is another notorious figure in India’s criminal underworld. Thakur is known for extortion and organized crime, particularly in the state of Maharashtra. He is accused of running an empire of illegal businesses and holding various regions under the grip of fear.

His criminal activities spanned over several years, and despite multiple police crackdowns, he continues to evade capture. Thakur’s name often comes up in the context of organized crime, and his disappearance remains a mystery for law enforcement agencies.

6. Associates of Dawood Ibrahim – Dangerous Networks of Crime

Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal syndicate, known as the D-Company, is involved in a variety of illicit activities across India and the world. Many of his associates, including the infamous Chhota Shakeel and others, continue to operate with impunity. These individuals are involved in everything from terrorism to organized crime.

While some have been arrested, many are still wanted for their roles in smuggling, extortion, and murders. The reach of Dawood’s associates is global, and their influence continues to pose a serious challenge to law enforcement.

7. Neeraj Bawana – The Leader of Bawana Gang

Neeraj Bawana, a feared gang leader from Delhi, is infamous for his involvement in numerous murders, extortion cases, and violent crimes. His gang is known for terrorizing the capital city and its surrounding regions, often engaging in violent clashes with rival groups. Despite police efforts, Bawana remains elusive, and his name frequently appears in the police’s most wanted list.

8. Aftab Ahmed – The Terrorist with a Cause

Aftab Ahmed is believed to be a key member of various terror outfits operating out of Pakistan. His primary involvement is in recruitment and training for militant activities in India. He is also linked to several high-profile terrorist attacks in India and is considered extremely dangerous.

Aftab continues to evade authorities and is reportedly hiding in Pakistan, where he is allegedly supported by terrorist organizations.

9. Arun Gawli – The Political Gangster

Arun Gawli is another criminal who has had a significant influence on Mumbai’s criminal landscape. Once a notorious gangster, Gawli transitioned into politics and founded his own political party, the Akhil Bharatiya Sena. Despite his criminal past, Gawli has managed to gain political power, becoming a significant player in Mumbai’s political scene.

Though he is currently serving a prison sentence for murder, Gawli’s rise to power as a gangster-turned-politician has been a subject of controversy and intrigue in Indian society.

10. Sandeep Gadoli – The New Face of Violence

Sandeep Gadoli was a criminal who emerged in recent years, known for his involvement in a variety of violent crimes, including murder and robbery. His rise to prominence as a dangerous criminal was swift, and he was believed to be involved in several criminal activities across the country.

Despite his criminal activities, Gadoli managed to remain a fugitive for a long time. His name continues to appear in police reports, making him one of the most wanted criminals in India.

Conclusion: The Hunt Continues

The Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals in India represent the darkest corners of society, each contributing to a narrative of crime, power, and evasion. While some are behind bars, others remain elusive.

FAQs

1. Who are the most wanted criminals in India?

The most wanted criminals in India are individuals involved in serious crimes like terrorism, organized crime, fraud, and murder. Some of the most notorious names include Dawood Ibrahim, Vijay Mallya, Chhota Rajan, and Tiger Memon, among others.

2. Why is Dawood Ibrahim considered the most wanted criminal?

Dawood Ibrahim is considered one of the most wanted criminals due to his role in orchestrating the 1993 Bombay bombings, which killed over 250 people. He is also involved in organized crime and terrorism, and he reportedly resides in Pakistan, making him a major target for Indian law enforcement.

3. How is Vijay Mallya connected to criminal activities?

Vijay Mallya is a fugitive due to charges of financial fraud and money laundering. He is accused of embezzling over 9,000 crore INR from public and private banks in India, leading to his escape to the United Kingdom where he is currently fighting extradition.

4. Why are these criminals so hard to catch?

Many of these criminals are highly skilled at evading capture. They often have vast networks of support, wealth, and influence, and they frequently hide in foreign countries where they are protected or beyond the reach of Indian law enforcement.

5. What makes these criminals dangerous?

These criminals are dangerous because of their involvement in large-scale operations, including terrorism, drug trafficking, murder, and money laundering. They have been linked to organized crime syndicates that operate both within India and internationally.

6. Where is Tiger Memon currently located?

Tiger Memon is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, and he is one of the key figures responsible for the 1993 Bombay bombings. Despite extensive efforts by Indian authorities, he remains a fugitive.

7. What crimes did Chhota Rajan commit?

Chhota Rajan was involved in numerous crimes, including murder, extortion, smuggling, and other violent offenses. He was once a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim but later became his rival. He was arrested in 2015 and is currently serving a prison sentence in India.

8. How do criminals like Dawood Ibrahim maintain their power?

Criminals like Dawood Ibrahim maintain power by controlling large criminal empires, often involved in illegal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling. They also have significant political connections and substantial financial resources that enable them to avoid capture.

9. What is the role of politics in the rise of criminals like Arun Gawli?

Arun Gawli, once a notorious gangster, transitioned into politics, which helped him gain significant influence. His political connections allowed him to continue his activities and maintain power despite his criminal background.

10. Are these criminals still active today?

Many of these criminals, like Dawood Ibrahim, Vijay Mallya, and Tiger Memon, are still active in their respective criminal enterprises, though they remain fugitives. Some, like Chhota Rajan, have been caught, while others continue to evade capture.