Raj Shamani's Figuring Out

T*rror, Crime & Secrets: Truth Behind 26/11, Kasab, Dawood & Police | Rakesh Maria | FO437 Raj Shamani

Nov 25, 2025
Rakesh Maria, former Mumbai Police Commissioner, shares his gripping experiences in counter-terrorism and organized crime. He recounts his first encounter with Ajmal Kasab and the psychological tactics used during interrogation. Maria dives into the underworld of Mumbai, discussing notorious figures like Dawood Ibrahim and the evolution of criminal enterprises. He reveals insights on the 26/11 attacks, including the deceptive narratives crafted by terrorists. The conversation unveils the intricate relationships between police action and the rise of organized crime.
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ANECDOTE

Dawood's Rise From Dongri

  • Maria traces Dawood Ibrahim's rise from Dongri, forming alliances with Gawli and Ramanaik and eventually outmaneuvering rivals.
  • He details how survival instinct and strategic alliances let Dawood expand influence beyond Dongri.
INSIGHT

How Underworld Exploits Weak Institutions

  • Organized crime grows when administration and police are weak, enabled by systemic bribery across institutions.
  • Maria stresses decisive policing: allow one strong criminal per area or nip rising gangs early.
ANECDOTE

Mastan And Varda's Long Friendship

  • Maria recounts Haji Mastan chartering a plane to fulfill Varda's funeral wish and their long friendship from the 1960s.
  • He shows how alliances between smugglers enabled dock and smuggling operations across regions.
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