10 Most Notorious Gangsters of India

Dawood Ibrahim The Indian don and drug lord from Dongri, Mumbai, founded the infamous D-company in the 1970s. Dawood is wanted in several criminal activities including murder, extortion, targeted killing, drug trafficking and terrorism.

Chhota Rajan Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, popularly known by his moniker Chhota Rajan, is considered the right hand man of Dawood Ibrahim, is a gangster with a strong grip in Mumbai’s underworld.

Arun Gawli Gawli has a long history of involvement in organized crime and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012 for the murder of a Shiv Sena leader, and his appeal is currently pending in the Supreme Court.

Ashwin Naik Naik is a prominent Indian criminal figure, known widely for a long list of criminal activities including extortion, murder and drug trafficking. He was last arrested in 2015 and booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

Varadarajan Mudaliar Also known as Vardha Bhai, was a prominent criminal figure in the 1970s. He operated his criminal activities primarily in the areas of Matunga, Dharavi and Sion. He was eventually arrested in 1982 and died in prison in 1988.

Karim Lala A notorious figure who had strong connections with Bollywood, Karim Lala had a stronghold in Mumbai’s red-light district and was involved in several criminal activities. Lala was widely respected and feared in Mumbai’s criminal circle.

Haji Mastan Haji Mastan alias Sultan Mirza rose prominence in Mumbai’s underworld during the 1960s and 1970s. He had strong political connections and influence which helped him maintain his grip on Mumbai’s criminal world especially in Nagpada and Dongri.

Abu Salem Abu Salem was a close associate of the infamous Dawood Ibrahim who rose to ranks in D-company by carrying out major criminal activities on Dawood’s direction. He was involved in several high-profile crimes including the 1993 Mumbai bombings. He is currently serving life term.

Ravi Pujari Yet another name in the criminal world, notorious for targeting high-profile individuals including politicians, businessmen, Bollywood celebrities among others. He is known to apply violent tactics to retain grip on Mumbai underworld.

Atiq Ahmed This mafia don-turned politician died on April 15, 2023 after being murdered along with his brother by suspected members of a rival gang. Atiq Ahmed led a lavish life although he hailed from a poor family. He was first convicted of murder when he was just 17.