Security agencies and Maharashtra law enforcement have dealt a major blow to organized crime networks by securing the deportation of a key operative linked to fugitive underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim. Akhtar Kasimali Merchant was taken into custody immediately upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in ongoing investigations against transnational syndicates.
The 60-year-old Mumbai native had been facing severe legal scrutiny from Maharashtra police, who pursued stringent charges against him. Authorities registered cases at the Kashimira police station under the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar police commissionerate, covering serious offenses such as attempted murder, extortion, criminal conspiracy, and violations of the Arms Act. Due to the scale of his criminal involvement, investigators also invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act against him.
Efforts to secure his international apprehension gained momentum when Maharashtra police submitted a proposal for a Red Corner Notice on December 17, 2025. Following this formal request, Interpol officially approved and issued the Red Corner Notice against Merchant on August 1st, 2026, restricting his ability to operate freely abroad.
According to investigators, Merchant had been operating from foreign soil for an extended period, actively supporting Dawood Ibrahim's syndicate. His core illicit activities revolved around the illegal trafficking of weapons and the narcotics trade. Within India, his operations primarily involved channeling financial backing and logistical support to organized crime syndicates.
Following his detention at the Delhi airfield, central intelligence units and Maharashtra police initiated thorough interrogations. A team from the Kashimira police station is preparing to secure a transit remand to transport him to Mumbai, where he will be produced before a court to seek further custody. Security officials anticipate that questioning Merchant will yield crucial intelligence regarding overseas underworld connections and illicit arms supply chains.
