Sheela Bhatt: Journalist Who Fearlessly Interviewed Dawood Ibrahim

Dawood Ibrahim, the underworld figure, has been admitted to a hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, due to a severe health issue, according to reports. While social media speculation suggested poisoning as the cause, his aide hasn't confirmed this. Dawood was reportedly hospitalised two days ago and is under high security, occupying the entire floor with restricted access only to top hospital officials and close family members.

As Mumbai Police seeks details about the underworld don's hospitalisation from his relatives Alishah Parkar and Sajid Wagle, journalist Sheela Bhatt, known for her involvement in compelling stories, is a familiar name linked with Dawood Ibrahim for her sheer fearless and dedicated journalism. Her connection to the Mumbai underworld began when she was photographed with Karim Lala, a prominent mafia figure, catching Dawood's attention.

Who Is Sheela Bhatt?

Sheela Bhatt has dedicated nearly 44 years to journalism, starting her career in 1979. Over the years, she has contributed to various esteemed news platforms like the Indian Express and Dainik Bhasker. Currently, she pens columns for Gulf News and The Print.

Journalist’s Multiple Encounters With Dawood Ibrahim

Bhatt first met Dawood when he was starting his criminal career, slowly making his mark in the underworld. Over the years, she met him several times, conducting interviews in India and Dubai. A significant moment was in 1988 during an interview in Dubai, where she met Dawood, a wanted criminal in India due to his involvement in terror activities, including the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

In later years, Bhatt met Dawood once more, this time in a Baroda jail. As a seasoned journalist, she often travelled between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Gujarat for her work. She was surprised to see Dawood casually playing football inside the prison. During their talk, Dawood mentioned his plan to retaliate against Alamzeb, a significant figure in Karim Lala’s Mumbai operations. Shortly after Bhatt's article on the subject was published, Alamzeb met an unfortunate end.

In 1987, Bhatt encountered Dawood again. He persistently contacted her from Dubai, leading to an arranged interview. Bhatt went to Dubai in 1988 to investigate the drug business, worrying more about the trip's cost than meeting Dawood. Despite having interviewed notorious figures like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Chhota Rajan, Varadarajan Mudaliar, Yusuf Patel, Haji Mastan, and Arun Gawli without fear, she had no apprehension about this meeting.