India has seen its share of criminals whose actions not only shocked the public but also left a deep imprint on the nation’s law enforcement systems. From underworld dons to terror masterminds, their stories are filled with crime, money, power, and fear. In this post, we dive deep into the most criminal of India — individuals whose crimes shook the very foundation of Indian society.
1. Dawood Ibrahim – The Underworld King
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Crime Profile: Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, Extortion, Money Laundering
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Most Wanted For: 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blasts (killed over 250 people)
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Current Status: One of India’s most wanted fugitives, believed to be in Pakistan
Dawood Ibrahim is perhaps the most notorious criminal in India. The leader of the D-Company, he turned Mumbai into his crime capital in the 80s and 90s. His reach extended globally, and he is closely linked with terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
2. Veerappan – The Forest Bandit
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Crime Profile: Smuggling, Kidnapping, Murder
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Most Known For: Smuggling sandalwood and ivory worth ₹100 crore+
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Years Active: 1960s–2004
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Killed By: Tamil Nadu STF in 2004
Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, known as India’s most feared forest brigand, ruled the forests of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. He evaded police for over two decades and even kidnapped famous personalities like Kannada actor Rajkumar.
3. Ajmal Kasab – The Face of 26/11
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Crime Profile: Terrorism, Mass Murder
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Infamous For: 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks (2008)
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Convicted & Hanged: 2012
Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist captured alive during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He was part of a 10-member Pakistani squad sent by Lashkar-e-Taiba. His image holding an AK-47 at CST station is one of the most chilling photos in Indian history.
4. Charles Sobhraj – The Serpent
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Crime Profile: Fraud, Theft, Serial Murders
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Victims: Mostly Western tourists across India, Thailand, and Nepal
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Known For: Escaping from Tihar Jail in 1986
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Recent Update: Released from Nepalese jail in 2022
Dubbed “The Bikini Killer”, Charles Sobhraj was a charming conman who seduced, drugged, and murdered travelers across Asia. His life inspired the Netflix show “The Serpent.”
5. Phoolan Devi – The Bandit Queen
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Crime Profile: Robbery, Murder, Revenge killings
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Famous For: Behmai massacre (1981), killing 20+ Thakurs
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Later Life: Became a Member of Parliament
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Assassinated: 2001
Phoolan Devi’s life is a tragic tale of oppression, rebellion, and revenge. Abused and exploited, she turned into a dacoit queen who targeted those who wronged her. Later, she surrendered and became a symbol of women’s empowerment before being assassinated.
6. Harshad Mehta – The Stock Market Scamster
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Crime Profile: Securities Fraud, White Collar Crime
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Infamous For: 1992 Indian Stock Market Scam worth ₹5000 crore
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Death: Died in custody in 2001
Though not a typical gangster, Harshad Mehta deserves a mention. He manipulated stock prices using fake bank receipts, causing a financial crisis. His story inspired the hit web series “Scam 1992.”
7. Yasin Bhatkal – Indian Mujahideen Leader
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Crime Profile: Bombings, Terror Attacks
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Infamous For: Hyderabad, Pune, and Delhi blasts
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Arrested: 2013
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Sentenced: Death penalty in 2016
One of the co-founders of Indian Mujahideen, Yasin Bhatkal was behind several terror attacks that killed hundreds across India. He operated under multiple fake identities until his arrest near the Nepal border.
Conclusion
The most criminal of India span across various backgrounds — from terrorist masterminds to white-collar criminals and forest bandits. Their actions, while infamous, have played a huge role in shaping India’s internal security policies and public perception of law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the stories of these criminals is important not to glorify crime but to learn from the past, strengthen our systems, and build a safer society. India continues to face new challenges, but it also grows stronger with every battle against crime.
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