EP-359 | Dawood, Bollywood, Mumbai Police vs Mafia, 1993 Bomb Blasts & Pak's ISI | D Sivanandhan

EP-359 | Dawood, Bollywood, Mumbai Police vs Mafia, 1993 Bomb Blasts & Pak's ISI | D Sivanandhan

Author: Asian News International (ANI) November 3, 2025 Duration: 1:37:49

D. Sivanandhan is one of Mumbai’s most respected former Police Commissioners, a man who saw the city’s darkest days up close, from the bloody gang wars of the 1990s to the 1993 bomb blasts that shook Mumbai. He led the fight against Dawood Ibrahim’s underworld empire and is known for cleaning up the mafia.


In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, D. Sivanandhan takes us back to that era, when gangsters ruled the streets, businessmen were shot in broad daylight, and the Mumbai Police decided to strike back.


He talks about how the cleanup began, the underworld’s deep links with Bollywood and real estate, and how Dawood’s network thrived with Pakistan’s ISI. D. Sivanandhan also shares what went wrong during the 26/11 terror attacks and what it truly takes to protect a city like Mumbai.



00:00 – Introduction

01:42 – The Book 'The Brahmastra Unleashed'

05:35 – 90s Mumbai Underworld

16:48 – How Powerful the Underworld Was

20:45 – Dawood & the 1993 Bomb Blasts

25:46 – Transition from Karim Lala to Dawood

31:26 – Dawood vs Chhota Rajan

43:13 – The Underworld’s Pact

46:40 – Politics & Mumbai Police

58:28 – Bollywood's Underworld Connection

01:09:13 – Reel Encounters vs Real Violence

01:12:04 – The 26/11 Attacks

01:23:21 – New-Age Threats & Security Gaps

01:32:12 – Rise of Cybercrime


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
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