Subhash Thakur, often referred to as "Baba," is a name that resonates with fear and intrigue in the annals of Uttar Pradesh's criminal history. Known as one of the most notorious gangsters of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal), Thakur's life is a saga of crime, power, and a complex relationship with the underworld, including ties to the infamous Dawood Ibrahim. From his early days in the rugged terrains of UP to his rise as a feared mafia don, Subhash Thakur's journey is a testament to the dark underbelly of organized crime in India.
Early Life and Background
Subhash Thakur was born in a modest family in Uttar Pradesh, though specific details about his birth date and early upbringing remain scarce due to the shadowy nature of his life. Hailing from the Purvanchal region, an area historically known for its lawlessness and strongmen, Thakur grew up in an environment where power often trumped law. The socio-political landscape of UP during the late 20th century, marked by caste-based conflicts, political rivalries, and economic struggles, provided fertile ground for individuals like Thakur to carve out a niche in the world of crime.
Little is known about his education or family, but it is widely believed that Thakur was drawn into petty crime during his youth. His imposing physical stature—standing nearly seven feet tall—combined with a ruthless demeanor, made him a natural fit for the rough-and-tumble world of gang rivalry. By the late 1980s, Thakur had begun to make a name for himself in the local criminal circles of Purvanchal, setting the stage for his meteoric rise in the underworld.
Entry into the Underworld
Subhash Thakur's entry into organized crime is often linked to his association with the Mumbai underworld, particularly the D-Company led by Dawood Ibrahim. In the early 1990s, Thakur emerged as a key operative for Dawood, a connection that would define much of his criminal career. His initiation into the big leagues came with the infamous JJ Hospital shootout in Mumbai in September 1992, a brazen attack that shocked the nation and cemented his reputation as a fearless enforcer.
The JJ Hospital shootout was a retaliatory strike orchestrated by Dawood Ibrahim to avenge the murder of his brother-in-law, Ibrahim Parkar, by the rival Arun Gawli gang. Thakur, along with other gang members, stormed the general ward of JJ Hospital and gunned down Shailesh Haldankar, a Gawli gang member. The audacity of the attack—carried out in broad daylight in a public hospital—highlighted Thakur's willingness to execute high-stakes operations. This incident not only elevated his status within the D-Company but also marked him as a prime target for law enforcement.
Rise to Power in Purvanchal
After his stint in Mumbai, Subhash Thakur returned to Uttar Pradesh, where he began consolidating his own criminal empire. Leveraging his connections with Dawood and his fearsome reputation, Thakur established himself as a dominant figure in Purvanchal. His operations extended beyond traditional gang activities like extortion and contract killings to include political influence and control over lucrative contracts in the region.
Thakur's gang became notorious for its ruthlessness and efficiency. He surrounded himself with loyal lieutenants, including individuals like Manish Singh and Arputraj Biraswami John, who carried out his orders with precision. His influence was so pervasive that even prominent gangsters like Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed, who ruled their own fiefdoms in UP, reportedly avoided direct confrontations with him. This speaks volumes about the terror Thakur inspired, even among his peers in the underworld.
One of Thakur's key strengths was his ability to operate from the shadows while maintaining a tight grip on his network. He allegedly used safe houses, such as the one owned by Brij Bhushan Singh in Gonda, to shelter his men and plan operations. His gang's activities included high-profile murders, extortion rackets, and even real estate disputes, often in collaboration with other underworld figures like Ali Budesh.
Connection with Dawood Ibrahim
Subhash Thakur's relationship with Dawood Ibrahim is a critical chapter in his biography. Often described as Dawood's "guru" in the media, Thakur's early mentorship of the young don is a subject of speculation. While Dawood rose to become India's most wanted fugitive, Thakur remained a pivotal figure in his network during the 1990s. Their alliance, however, was not without its tensions.
The 1993 split between Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan, another prominent underworld figure, saw Thakur playing a significant role. Following the murder of Kim Bahadur Thapa, a Shiv Sena corporator close to Thakur, by Rajan’s men, Thakur orchestrated a brutal retaliation. He lured Rajan’s sharpshooters—Diwakar Churi, Amar Avtu, and Sanjay Raggad—to a farmhouse in Gonda, where they were executed, and their bodies dumped in the Sharayu River. This incident underscored Thakur's loyalty to Dawood and his capacity for vengeance.
Over time, however, Thakur distanced himself from the D-Company, focusing instead on building his own empire in UP. Despite this shift, his early association with Dawood continued to define his image as a gangster of national significance.
Criminal Exploits and Legal Battles
Subhash Thakur's criminal record is extensive, with dozens of cases ranging from murder and extortion to arms trafficking. The JJ Hospital shootout remains his most infamous act, for which he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, his influence persisted even from behind bars, a testament to his organizational skills and the loyalty of his gang.
In 2019, Thakur was shifted from Fatehgarh Central Jail to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Hospital, citing health issues. This move sparked controversy, as he continued to wield power from the hospital, allegedly issuing threats and managing his operations via intermediaries. In 2021, an FIR was filed against him in Varanasi for threatening a man over a fraud case, highlighting his unrelenting grip on the underworld despite incarceration.
Thakur's ability to evade justice for years was aided by his strategic alliances with politicians and corrupt officials. His gang's involvement in the 1997 property dispute with builder Natwar Lal Desai, alongside Ali Budesh, further showcased his reach into Mumbai's real estate mafia. Even as law enforcement agencies like the Mumbai Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) pursued him, Thakur remained a step ahead, often changing locations and maintaining a low profile.
Imprisonment and Later Years
Subhash Thakur is currently serving a life sentence in Fatehgarh Central Jail, having been transferred back from BHU Hospital in January 2025 after years of alleged medical treatment. His time in jail has done little to diminish his legend, with reports suggesting he continues to influence criminal activities through his network. The Uttar Pradesh government has identified him as one of the state's top 10 criminals, subjecting him to stringent monitoring.
Thakur's later years have been marked by health issues and legal scrutiny, yet his name still evokes fear in Purvanchal. His gang, though weakened by arrests and encounters, remains active, with members like Manish Singh and Arputraj John carrying forward his legacy until their own apprehensions by the police.
Legacy and Impact
Subhash Thakur's legacy is a complex one. To some, he is a symbol of the unchecked power of gangsters in Uttar Pradesh, a man who thrived in a system riddled with corruption and political patronage. To others, he is a larger-than-life figure whose audacity and cunning made him a legend in the underworld. His influence on Purvanchal's criminal landscape is undeniable, shaping the dynamics of power in a region long dominated by strongmen.
Thakur's story also reflects the broader nexus between crime and politics in India. His ability to operate with impunity for decades underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime. As of April 2025, his name continues to surface in discussions about UP's mafia dons, a reminder of an era when gangsters held sway over entire regions.
Conclusion
Subhash Thakur, the towering gangster from Uttar Pradesh, remains an enigmatic figure whose life encapsulates the gritty reality of India's underworld. From his early days as a local thug to his rise as a feared don with ties to Dawood Ibrahim, Thakur's journey is a chilling narrative of crime, power, and survival. Though incarcerated, his shadow looms large over Purvanchal, a testament to his enduring influence. This biography offers a glimpse into the life of a man who, for better or worse, left an indelible mark on the history of organized crime in India.
Top FAQs About Subhash Thakur
- Who is Subhash Thakur?
Subhash Thakur, also known as "Baba," is a notorious gangster from Uttar Pradesh, India, recognized as one of the most powerful mafia dons in the Purvanchal region. He gained infamy for his criminal activities and ties to Dawood Ibrahim. - What is Subhash Thakur famous for?
Thakur is best known for his role in the 1992 JJ Hospital shootout in Mumbai, a high-profile attack linked to the D-Company, and for establishing a formidable criminal empire in Eastern UP. - Where is Subhash Thakur now?
As of April 2025, Subhash Thakur is serving a life sentence in Fatehgarh Central Jail, Uttar Pradesh, after being transferred back from BHU Hospital in January 2025. - What was Subhash Thakur's connection with Dawood Ibrahim?
Thakur was a key operative in Dawood Ibrahim's D-Company during the 1990s and is often described as Dawood's "guru." Their alliance included joint operations like the JJ Hospital shootout, though Thakur later focused on his own gang in UP. - Why is Subhash Thakur called the "biggest don of Purvanchal"?
Thakur earned this title due to his extensive criminal network, ruthless tactics, and the fear he instilled in rivals like Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed, making him a dominant figure in Eastern UP's underworld. - What crimes did Subhash Thakur commit?
Thakur's criminal record includes murder, extortion, arms trafficking, and orchestrating high-profile attacks, with the JJ Hospital shootout being his most infamous act. - Is Subhash Thakur still active in crime?
While incarcerated, Thakur is believed to maintain influence over his gang through intermediaries, as evidenced by a 2021 FIR for issuing threats from BHU Hospital. - How did Subhash Thakur get caught?
Thakur was convicted for the JJ Hospital shootout and other crimes, leading to his life imprisonment. His exact arrest details are less documented, but his conviction followed years of pursuit by law enforcement. - What is the status of Subhash Thakur's gang today?
Though weakened by arrests and police action, remnants of Thakur's gang continue to operate in UP, with some members still active or in custody. - How did Subhash Thakur influence politics in UP?
Thakur's gang allegedly had ties with politicians, providing muscle power and securing contracts, reflecting the deep crime-politics nexus in Uttar Pradesh.
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