Who was Karim Lala? The underworld don who former PM Indira Gandhi met

Elaborating on history of influence of underworld over Mumbai, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut sparked a row by claiming that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to meet with Karim Lala, an underworld don. statement, however, was n retracted after facing backlash from Maharashta ally, Congress. Despite withdrawal of his statement, on Thursday a photograph of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and underworld don Karim Lala emerged on social media. As per reports, picture dated back to 1973, years before imposition of Emergency. 

Who was Karim Lala? 

Born as Abdul Karim Sher Khan in Afghanistan's Kunar province, Karim Lala was involved in extortion rackers, operating liquor dens, illegal land evictions, kidnapping, protection racket, contract killing, counterfeit currency, narcotics and gambling in 1960s to early 1980s. Known as first don of Mumbai, Karim Lala moved to India in 1930s. Leer of 'Pathan Gang' which included Afghani migrants, Karim Lala h a significant influence over Mumbai, n Bombay.

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underworld don began his journey in city as an ordinary worker, however, later joined ethnic gang of Pathans, eventually to operate as its leer. infamous gang operated in crime-infested part of city like--Mohamm Ali Ro, Bhendi Bazaar, Dongri. gang was known to operate plenty of "carrom clubs" which was a pretence to gambling, betting rackets and moneylending. Karim Lala rose up to be known as one of three "mafia dons of Mumbai", ors being Haji Mastan and Vararajan. In late 1970s, three agreed on a pact to divide city amongst mselves to avoid conflict between each or. 

Karim Lala, in this peak days invited several personalities from Bollywood to his parties and Eid celebrations. He also was known to hold a weekly 'durbar' wherein he heard grievances of people from various strata of society, and helped m through his financial and muscle power. Apart from his illegal networks, underworld don h built his legitimate businesses through which he maintained his influence. 

In last 70s, he grually reigns of his Pathan Gang to his nephew, Sam Khan, who was later killed by rival underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's gang D-Company in 1984. Karim Lala did not share a cordial relationship with Dawood, and on one ocassion h also thrashed him after it was known that D-Company was running a racket in his area. At age of 90, underworld don died in February 2002. 

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