How the 'covert operation' to bring back Dawood failed

BJP MP and Former Union Home Secretary RK Singh, in an interview with India Today on 23 August, advocated the use of 'covert operations' to bring back Dawood Ibrahim to the country.

Arguing that Pakistan will "shamelessly" deny that Dawood is not there, Singh said if he has to be brought back, then "other methods" will have to be adopted. He said "other groups" can be funded and trained to undertake an operation.

In a shocking revelation, he also talked about how Indian government had earlier planned an operation and was training a group of people to trace Dawood. However, he claimed some officers in Mumbai police who were on his 'payroll' colluded with Dawood and leaked the information.

"Later, Mumbai police came saying there is a warrant against them. But I cannot confirm it. I have just heard about it. I don't have any evidence," he said.

The BJP leader strongly opposed talks with Pakistan saying that everyone in the world knows it is a "snake pit" that harbours terrorists.

"Every time their credibility is down, they want to talk to India to come in parity with India. We should not allow that," he said.

He said that 'political determination and decision' is needed to carry out such an operation today. He also added that a direction from Prime Minister will be needed for this.