Arshad Pappu remains one of the most talked-about names in the history of Mumbai’s underworld, especially in the context of gang rivalries, political links, and brutal killings in the city’s eastern suburbs. Known primarily as the brother of Mumbai don Sayed Abdul Kadar Abdul Rehman “Daddy”, better known as Daddy (Dada) Sayed, Arshad Pappu spent years navigating the dangerous world of extortion networks, land deals, and area dominance in Byculla and surrounding regions. His life journey—from a small-time troublemaker to one of the key figures in Mumbai gang politics—highlights the deep nexus between crime, politics, and territorial power in the city.
Early Life of Arshad Pappu
Arshad Pappu was born in Mumbai into a family that was already involved in the local crime network. His elder brother, Sayed Dadabhai Abdullah alias “Daddy”, was a well-established gangster in central Mumbai during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Growing up in such an environment, Pappu was drawn to the same world of street dominance, protection rackets, and political negotiations.
Not much public information exists about his formal education or early aspirations, but law-enforcement records confirm that Pappu entered the world of organized crime during his late teens. His early criminal activities mainly involved:
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Local extortion
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Settlement of disputes
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Enforcing gang orders
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Helping expand Daddy’s dominance in Mumbai’s Byculla belt
His entry into full-fledged underworld dealings began after he started managing some of the operations on behalf of his brother.
Rise in the Mumbai Underworld
Association With Daddy’s Gang
Arshad Pappu became a crucial figure in the Daddy gang, which controlled several illegal activities in central Mumbai, including:
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Extortion networks targeting builders and local businessmen
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Land-grabbing and property disputes
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Protection money rackets
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Political influence operations
Pappu was often the execution arm of the gang—tasked with handling rivals, collecting money, and ensuring the gang’s territorial control.
Collapse of Daddy’s Empire and Pappu’s Growing Independence
With time, Daddy’s influence declined due to increased police surveillance and the rise of rival gangs. As the gang weakened, Pappu attempted to reestablish its earlier dominance, particularly in the areas of Byculla, Mumbai Central, Agripada, and Nagpada.
Police records suggest that by the mid-2000s, Pappu operated semi-independently, dealing with smaller gangs and local political figures to remain relevant.
Criminal Activities and Police Records
By the time of his death, Arshad Pappu had accumulated over 20 criminal cases, including:
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Murder
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Attempted murder
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Kidnapping
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Extortion
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Assault
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Rioting
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Arms Act violations
He was regarded as a violent and unpredictable gangster, known for settling disputes ruthlessly. Mumbai Police’s crime branch and local police stations often flagged him as one of the most wanted figures during certain periods when his activities surged.
Rivalries and Gang Wars
The Arshad Pappu – Hashim Baba Rivalry
One of the most defining aspects of Pappu’s criminal career was his intense rivalry with the Hashim Baba gang, particularly with Niyaz “Nino” and Riyaz “Bhattewala”.
The rivalry reportedly stemmed from:
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Territorial fights
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Control over extortion networks
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Involvement in contract killings
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Personal enmities
This rivalry eventually escalated into open violence, leading to multiple confrontations and shootouts.
Politico-Criminal Nexus
Several reports over the years suggested that Pappu had links with local political elements, both as a muscleman and protector. Such connections made him even more influential but also pulled him deeper into conflicts involving land deals and property disputes.
Arrest, Jail Time & Attempts to Reclaim Influence
Pappu spent multiple years in prison on various charges. Each time he was released, he attempted to revive his influence by:
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Rebuilding his gang
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Reconnecting with old associates
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Creating new extortion channels
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Forming tactical alliances
However, the increasing dominance of rival gangs meant that Pappu’s comeback attempts met stiff resistance.
Police records also indicate that he often changed his base of operations to avoid tracking, shifting between Mumbai and nearby regions.
Final Controversy: The Murder Case That Triggered His End
One of the most significant controversies linked with Pappu was a murder case involving a local individual allegedly connected to political circles. According to various accounts, this killing intensified tensions with the Hashim Baba gang, setting off a chain of revenge plots.
This rivalry reached a breaking point around 2013, when Pappu’s enemies reportedly decided to eliminate him permanently.
Death of Arshad Pappu: The Brutal End
Arshad Pappu was kidnapped and brutally murdered in one of the most gruesome revenge killings in Mumbai’s recent underworld history.
Circumstances of His Death
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He was kidnapped by members of a rival gang.
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He was allegedly tortured and then killed.
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His body was dismembered and disposed of.
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The murder sent shockwaves across Mumbai’s crime circles.
Investigations by the Mumbai Police and Crime Branch revealed that the killing was a meticulously planned act of revenge for past gang feuds.
Several gang members, including close associates of rivals, were arrested over the next months and years. The case highlighted the deep-rooted violence, retaliation patterns, and the vicious nature of Mumbai’s underworld.
Legacy of Arshad Pappu
While Pappu did not gain the same larger-than-life status as some of Mumbai’s well-known dons, he remains a symbol of the brutal second-tier gang culture—where territory, revenge, and political influence mattered more than national-level infamy.
His life story reflects:
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The rise and fall of neighborhood-based gang systems
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The dangerous mix of crime and politics
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The unpredictable consequences of underworld rivalries
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The collapse of older gang structures in Mumbai
Top Interesting Facts About Arshad Pappu
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He was the younger brother of famous Mumbai don Daddy (Sayed Abdul Kadar).
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Pappu had more than 20 FIRs registered against him across multiple police stations.
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His rivalry with the Hashim Baba gang shaped most of his criminal career.
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He tried multiple comebacks after jail but failed to regain earlier influence.
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His murder is regarded as one of the most brutal gang killings in Mumbai’s recent history.
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Pappu operated mainly in central Mumbai, particularly Byculla, Agripada, and Nagpada areas.
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He allegedly had political connections, which helped him survive and operate for years.
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His death marked the end of the Daddy gang’s era in Mumbai’s underworld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Arshad Pappu?
Arshad Pappu was a Mumbai-based gangster known for extortion, land grabs, and involvement in gang rivalries, especially with the Hashim Baba gang.
2. Was Arshad Pappu related to another famous gangster?
Yes. He was the younger brother of Daddy Sayed, a well-established Mumbai don.
3. What crimes was Arshad Pappu involved in?
He faced charges of murder, attempt to murder, extortion, rioting, and Arms Act violations.
4. Who killed Arshad Pappu?
He was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and killed by members of the rival Hashim Baba gang, as part of a revenge attack.
5. Why was he targeted?
Long-standing gang rivalries, political disputes, and past killings linked to Pappu led to his assassination.
6. When did Arshad Pappu die?
He was killed in 2013 in a violent and pre-planned gang attack.
7. What was his influence in Mumbai’s underworld?
Pappu controlled local extortion networks and operated mainly in the Byculla region but never reached the national infamy of bigger dons.
8. Did he have political support?
Reports suggest that he was linked with local political figures for land deals and influence operations.

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