The genesis of Mumbai’s underworld and its first don (2)
Before 1940 there were around 13,000 Afghani Pathans in Mumbai before 1940, primarily engaged in providing assistance to the British. But with World War II, another item was added to the list of assistance - the red streets for British troops. But these streets were restricted or designated for military personnel highlights and entry to locals was prohibited.
It was during that period that Afghani Pathans gathered under the leadership of Ayub Lala. Organized power made Ayub Lala strong and he became Ayub Baba to his followers. And thus was born Mumbai's first don, marking the beginning of organized criminal activities that would later evolve and shape the dynamics of the city's underworld.
The stream of blood
Ayub Baba while holidaying in Kashmir met a six-year-old boy engaged as a porter. He decided to take the boy under his wings and brought him too to Mumbai. The little one from Kashmir got to be called Kashmiri. The disciple soon ascended the steps of the underworld under Baba's protection to later become Kashmiri Lala. The addition of the title "Lala" to the names of Dons is a notable aspect of Mumbai's underworld nomenclature, adding a layer of identity and recognition within that milieu.
Kashmiri Lala had about 26 per cent share in Ayub's businesses. He amassed influence and resources to the point of striking terror among Marwari industrialists from who he raised funds. He grew beyond the control of his foster father Ayub and engaged in fund-raising. The act of collecting funds, even against Ayub's prohibitions and from financially troubled businessmen too, emphasized the autonomy and assertiveness that Kashmiri Lala had developed within the criminal underworld.
Terror-stricken Marwaris had to eventually seek Ayub's help. Use of external parties to carry out executions has been a recurring theme in the city's underworld history. In this case, a hired Sikh killer carried out the execution. It was also the first high profile murder in Mumbai's organized crime history.
Even before the blood stain of Kashmiri Lala had time to fade from the street, the resonant sound of authoritative police boots echoed through Ayub's den. The don found himself in police custody for the first time. Although he maintained an outward facade of stoicism during the ensuing interrogation and ultimately emerged unscathed for lack of evidence, the ordeal exacted a toll, leaving him emotionally devastated and internally fractured.
On that very day, he bid adieu to Mumbai, anointing Karim, his most steadfast adherent, as Lala. Seeking refuge in the tranquil resort town of Panchgani, nestled in the Western Ghats, he embarked on a new chapter, dedicating the remainder of his days to running a school. Despite the futile attempts of his erstwhile colleagues to entice his return, the resolute Lala delivered an unwavering response: ''No soul that has ascended the steps of a police station is deemed worthy to wear the mantle of a don...!''
The second generation
Karim, once a humble street vendor peddling liquor in the alleys of Dongri, ascended to the position of Ayub Lala's successor. Stepping into the role of the new don, Karim Lala assumed command of shipyard robbery squads, where a young Mastan Mirza was among the port labourers. When Mumbai's inaugural smuggler, Haji Talab Hussain, found himself ensnared in the Customs trap, the Arab associates turned to Mastan for aid in their smuggling endeavours. It was thus that another don emerged, and Mastan Mirza became Haji Mastan.
As Karim Lala and Haji Mastan were weaving the tapestry of the underworld in South Mumbai, a third don was consolidating power in Wadala. Varadaraja Mudaliar, hailing from Madurai and part of the South Indian diaspora in Mumbai, carved a niche for himself by amassing wealth through the plunder of railway wagons. Notably, Mudaliar was also credited with initiating the present form of Ganeshotsavam, a festival that later evolved into a platform for various gangs to showcase their influence and prowess.
Karim Lala's primary domains of operation were gambling and bootlegging. Over time, Mudaliar ventured into these territories, gradually expanding his presence. Haji Mastan played a significant role in the considerable growth of the gambling industry, contributing to its transformation into a flourishing enterprise.
Haji Mastan and Karim Lala, influenced by Jayaprakash Narayan in the 1970s, atoned their past. They were jailed during the Emergency. Subsequently, Mastan reinvented himself as a self-proclaimed Dalit leader, rallying and organizing taxi drivers. Despite his lack of formal education, Mastan proved to be a charismatic and impassioned orator. Later, he ventured into film production, carving a niche for himself and ensuring roles for his favourites in Bollywood. Many iconic names, including Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, as well as numerous Bollywood stars, owe a significant debt to Mastan, whose influential journey came to an end with his natural demise in 1994.
Varadaraja Mudaliar returned to Tamil Nadu after bowing down to the power of a police officer named YC Pawar. He breathed his last in 1988 at the age of 62 in Chennai.
Karim Lala also played the crucial role of a peacemaker. He mediated not only in disputes between businessmen and landlords but also resolved conflicts between emerging young kingpins within the criminal underworld. This veteran don, whose influence spanned decades, was the key figure in quelling the intense gang wars that erupted in the 1970s. Before departing at the ripe age of 90, Karim reflected on the past, uttering the poignant sentiment, "Our old days will never come back."
(As the Mumbai underworld enters its third generation, the modus operandi also changes. Details in the next part)
