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India disputes UN rapporteur claims on fugitive Dawood Ibrahim's whereabouts

India has challenged assertions by a United Nations special rapporteur regarding the location of wanted criminal Dawood Ibrahim, suggesting he may be in Pakistan—the same country where Osama bin Laden was found. The Indian government's response underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions over the handling of international fugitives.

LSN India · 22 October 2026

India disputes UN rapporteur claims on fugitive Dawood Ibrahim's whereabouts

India has publicly fact-checked claims made by a UN special rapporteur concerning the whereabouts of Dawood Ibrahim, the fugitive Indian organised crime figure and terrorism suspect. According to reports of India's response, the government suggested that Ibrahim may be located in Pakistan, drawing a pointed comparison to the discovery of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in 2011.

The Indian government's statement appears designed to highlight what New Delhi views as Pakistan's role in harbouring fugitives wanted by Indian authorities. Dawood Ibrahim has long been accused of orchestrating major criminal activities and is believed to be living abroad, away from Indian jurisdiction.

The specific claims made by the UN special rapporteur were not detailed in available accounts, but India's rejoinder reflects the country's broader concerns about cross-border criminal networks and the cooperation—or lack thereof—from neighbouring nations in extraditing wanted individuals.

The incident underscores persistent friction between India and Pakistan over security matters, with India frequently accusing its neighbour of providing safe haven to individuals wanted for crimes ranging from organised crime to terrorism. Pakistan has historically denied such allegations, though the country has faced international scrutiny regarding its counterterrorism efforts.