M A I N   N E W S

Lakdawala shot in Bangkok

Mumbai, May 26
Thailand-based gangster Ijaz Lakdawala, a former aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and the mastermind behind the extortion racket in the metropolis, has been killed by members of the rival Chhota Shakeel gang in Bangkok, a top officer of the Mumbai Crime Branch-CID confirmed here this evening.

Reports received here said Lakdawala, the mastermind behind the extortion racket in the metropolis, was shot at while he was going out for dinner with his family. He was believed to have died in hospital later.

Intelligence officials said. “The shooting is a result of intra-gang and inter-gang feuds.’’

According to the sources, Lakdawala had been extorting money from city-based businessmen as well as film personalities. His men attempted to kill film director Lawrence D’Souza outside his residence last year.

Lakdawala had been associated with several gangs, including Chhota Rajan and Fazal-ur-Rehman gang which allegedly, on behalf of actress Shilpa Shetty’s father Surendra Shetty, threatened a Surat-based saree tycoon.

Lakdawala parted ways with Rajan after September 2000 following an attempt on the Bangkok-based don’s life. Rajan suffered gun shot wounds but managed to escape from hospital. UNI