New Delhi, September 7
India has formally asked the US to use its relations with Pakistan to help nab fugitive terrorist and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Dawood, accused of carrying out the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that left 716 persons dead and around 250 injured, is based in Pakistan and runs an extortion, betting and money laundering empire.

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, while addressing mediapersons today, said: “Yes, we have requested the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) to help nab him (Dawood). I had raised the matter during my last US visit and even brought up the matter with US Attorney General Eric Holder.”

The Home Minister had visited the US in May to discuss counter-terrorism measures.

Both India and the US have a common goal in getting Dawood. In 2003, the US had called Dawood a “specially designated global terrorist”, while in 2012, the US Treasury Department put him on the global most wanted list. Both countries have been working together as strategic partners since 2009.

After Indian Mujahideen leader Yasin Bhatkal’s arrest, Shinde had expressed confidence of arresting Dawood. “We will bring (all terrorists) one by one. All will come... just wait,” he had said.

Indian intelligence agencies have tasted a series of success ever since Shinde took over as Home Minister.