From Jogeshwari Killer To Isi Operative The Long Criminal Journey Of Munna Jhingada

Recent investigations by Indian security agencies into an alleged Pakistan linked espionage network have once again brought the spotlight on Sayyad Muzzakkir Muddasar Hussain, better known as Munna Jhingada, a notorious gangster turned terror accused who is be... Recent investigations by Indian security agencies into an alleged Pakistan linked espionage network have once again brought the spotlight on Sayyad Muzzakkir Muddasar Hussain, better known as Munna Jhingada, a notorious gangster turned terror accused who is believed to be operating from Karachi under the protection of the Dawood Ibrahim network. His name resurfaced prominently in 2023 when the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) uncovered an alleged espionage network operating on behalf of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigators alleged that Jhingada, operating from Pakistan, had transferred funds to his maternal uncle, Sayyed Armaan, to recruit agents and facilitate anti India activities. The probe led to the arrest of Armaan and his associate Mohammad Raees, who were accused of collecting photographs and sensitive information related to Indian military installations in Uttar Pradesh and sharing them with ISI handlers. According to investigators, funds sent by Jhingada were routed through another accused, Mohammad Salman Siddique, before reaching Raees. In a joint operation on July 16, 2023, the Juhu ATS and Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested 65 year old Armaan and 25 year old Siddique from Jogeshwari in Mumbai. Both were subsequently handed over to the UP ATS. Armaan, Raees and Siddique remain lodged in a Uttar Pradesh jail, while Jhingada was declared a wanted accused in the case. Jhingada’s entry into the criminal world dates back to February 12, 1990, when he was a second year Bachelor of Arts student at a college in Jogeshwari. According to police records, he stabbed a man named Wazir to death after witnessing a dispute involving his friends. He later surrendered before the police and was released on bail in November 1991. After briefly returning to work in his father’s plumbing business, Jhingada was again drawn into violence. On March 31, 1994, Wazir’s brother, Nazir, and his associates allegedly attacked him in retaliation for the earlier murder. During the clash, Jhingada allegedly assaulted Nazir before surrendering at the Meghwadi police station. Between 1990 and 1995, he was named in several serious offences, including murder and attempted murder. Following the murder of Nishar Ahmed in August 1995, Jhingada fled to his native village in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district. Investigators say he spent nearly six months practising with country made firearms before returning to Mumbai as a sharpshooter for Chhota Shakeel’s gang. A key turning point came after his arrest on March 24, 1996. While lodged in Arthur Road Jail, Jhingada came into contact with Ismail Malabari, a trusted aide of Chhota Shakeel. According to senior Crime Branch officials, Malabari helped secure his bail and introduced him to Shakeel’s network. Investigators claim that between 1994 and 1999, Jhingada carried out several contract killings on behalf of the syndicate. Among the murders attributed to him was that of hawala operator Sunil