Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim to retire on 60th birthday, announce his successor

Wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, has decided to retire, says a report in Mumbai Mirror.

Dawood, who is currently based out of Karachi in Pakistan and enjoys the protection of the Pakistani security agencies, is likely to appoint his successor, even as his health is failing. The frontrunner for the position is his brother Anees Ahmed.

Dawood's right hand man Chhota Shakeel on the other hand, will only retain his position, says the report. The successor's name will be declared on Saturday when Dawood Ibrahim turns 60.

Dawood has decided that his failing health will not allow him to helm D-company's $10 billion multinational empire of drugs, betting, hawala, and arms smuggling. 

There has been no official word on the same from D-Company. But Mirror reports say that no one knows the venue of Dawood's birthday celebration. Those who have been invited have been told that they will be picked up just minutes before.

But the transition will not be sudden. Dawood might hang around for a few years and guide the gang's successor.

Dawood now has three brothers living with him - Anees, Humayun and Mustaqeem, after he death of his brother Noorul Haq alias Noora and deportation of Iqbal Kaskar from Dubai. Humayun and Mustaqeem are not very active in the gang any more.

Dawood's two sons Mahrukh and Moin, as well as wife Mehjabeen have advised him to reduce his workload. Mahrukh is married to Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad's daughter Junaid.

Dawood also did not want to leave his huge ill-gotten fortune to become a source of contention and endless dispute among his family members including his brothers, their children and his own, says the report.

Indian intelligence agencies and the Mumbai Police are already keeping a tab on the forthcoming birthday celebrations in Karachi. They already have a list of 35 people who are supposed to attend the event. The list includes members of UAE's royal family and influential diplomats.

But the D-Company sources have denied that any such bash is to take place. What we know about is the family's plans to feed 10000 orphans and distribute clothes to poor. We have no idea about any succession plan," said a Karachi-based family friend of Dawood to Mirror.

Secret parties and revelry is also planned at some South Mumbai locations on Saturday. The Mumbai Police is keeping a watch on these parties.

Dawood, who has turned into a 'devout' Muslim over the past few years, is likely to visit Mecca after his 60th birthday.