Saying no idea where Dawood Ibrahim is - a mistake: Ex-Maha Commissioner

MUMBAI: Former Mumbai Police Commissioner M N Singh today expressed disappointment at the Home Ministry's "embarrassing" stand on the whereabouts of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and said the response was a "big mistake" on part of the Government.

"Even our intelligence agencies have proved that Dawood Ibrahim is in the patronage of ISI.. hence saying that no idea where Dawood is... is absolutely a big mistake on behalf of the central government," Singh told.

"It is also possible that ISI might have eliminated him, but the fact which cannot be denied is that he (Dawood) is, or was in Pakistan under the direct supervision of ISI," he further said.

Contradicting its earlier stand, Government today said in Parliament that it was not aware of the location of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim whose deportation from Pakistan it has been demanding.

"The subject has not been located so far. Extradition process with regard to Dawood Ibrahim would be initiated once the subject is located," Minister of State for Home, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said in a written reply.

Singh said that such a response would not only give Pakistan a chance to "backfire", but will also put a question mark over the list of "Most Wanted" which we have given to Pakistan with Dawood's name on top.

"Since he (Dawood) has become a headache for Pakistan also, due to mounting pressure he may be shifted from one place to another... this is very much sure that he is still in the patronage of ISI," Singh said.

On a question, whether Centre was serious to bring Dawood back, Singh replied, "If this is the answer from the Ministry, then the government's commitment is questionable."

"However, I cannot tell you why government has given such a reply. But it has brought more embarrassment to itself (government)," he added.

On what should government do to bring him back, Singh said, "(I) don't recommend that government should attack Pakistan only to bring Dawood back, but mounting pressure at international platforms are the only option left for us, as we are equipped at par with the US on machinery and technology.