Underworld don and now a 'global terrorist', Dawood Ibrahim, has gained substantial ground in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, according to an intelligence report.
Also see: Dawood Ibrahim is a global terrorist: US
The D-company, as Dawood empire built on extortion and narcotics smuggling is called, has colluded with the Pakistan's ISI to build pockets of influence along the Indo-Nepal border, the report says.
The D-company continues to maintain an important office in the Himalayan kingdom, which monitors the flow of drugs and weapons into Uttar Pradesh.
The areas identified by Indian intelligence agencies as under Dawood's influence are Gorakhpur, Siddharth Nagar, Gonda, Baharaich, Khiri and Pilibhit.
The report says transport agencies and truck drivers act as conduits for Dawood's gang and local criminals work to terrorise, and at times eliminate, officers who don't fall in line.
The declaring of Dawood as a 'global terrorist' by the United States is being seen as a victory for intelligence agencies.
It is also believed that after the US action against the gangster, the Nepal government will be forced to act tough with him.
Also see:
Indian stand vindicated, says Advani
Dawood not in Pak: Information minister
Advani asks Pak to act before it's too late