KM Special Report

Dawood-Miandad Match at Grand Hyatt Dubai

Low Profile Marriage of High Profile Cricket - Mafia Couple well attended by FBI, RAW, M-19 and Papparazis and Journalists.. 70 politicians send gifts and greetings to the don through hawala..

By V.M.Sathish*

DUBAI –There was a major underworld gathering in Dubai that went on peacefully without any shoot outs and encounter killings. The only shoot out in Grand Hyatt, the venue of the much discussed marriage reception for the cricket-underworld couple was the video cameras under the direct supervision of the D-Company securitymen. Intelligence agencies and papparazis were omnipresent. The city has been rife with speculation whether the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, whose elder daughter Mahrukh got married in Dubai with Junaid son of a Pakistan cricket celebrity Javed Miandad, was in the city to bless his daughter. Reports suggest that he was supervising the high profile marriage kept at a low profile for security reasons. One theory is that the don was in Dubai sometimes back to make arrangements for the marriage and reception, but there is no credibility to such stories as the local and international media have been strictly in the dark about the don’s movements. It is a fact that Dubai was his second home till the shoot out that killed a gangster in the India Club that triggered a chain reaction compelling the underworld don to leave Dubai. After the US administration put him as a wanted international terrorist, Dawood has been keeping a low profile in the city. (Dawood Ibrahaim..Going Strong)

Even though his covert business empire must have been operating, the don cannot operate freely as it used be in the good old days. The Americans Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Interpol and the British M-16 Intelligence were monitoring the marriage venue, airports and other hotels. Because of the London bombings of 7 July the British MI-6 was heavily monitoring the wedding reception. as the British foreign intelligence service was looking for all leads to the London bombings followed by the Cairo blasts Since Junaid, the bridegroom was educated in England, British agency was keen to trace other Pakistanis who were expected for the wedding reception. According to sources, there was nothing against Junaid in the UK records, but Dawoods alleged links to the Al Qaeeda was considered as a serious matter. Whether it is the drug smuggling syndicate spanning three continents or the gold smuggling to India, or film financing, Dubai has been considered an integral part of the Bombay underworld links. However, the changed global scenario and the increasing pressure from the western countries, who are ostensibly engaged in a so called war on Islamic terrorism, it is no more easy to allow such fugitives to operate freely in Dubai, a booming international business hub. The signing of extradition treaty between India and the UAE made it obligatory to hand over such criminals to India.

Many eyebrows were raised when the marriage news between a don’s daughter and the former Pakistan cricket captain’s son appeared in the media. Dawood was spotted last by press photographers in the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium. Then Bollywood beauties and celebrity cricket fans surrounded the don. The betting controversy opened yet another chapter in the alleged unholy nexus between the underworld and cricket. So was the killing of Gulshan Kumar or other film controversies including the current one about Shah Rukh Khan tapes. Dubai was a convenient and safe place for randevouz and secret meetings between the film, cricket, political and business leaders with the don’s mafia empire. Even though the media has been projecting Dawood Ibrahim as a typical “Islamic terrorist,” who has masterminded the fatal bomb blasts of the 1980s and other alleged criminal and terrorist activities, it is a fact that he is just one of the underworld dons with many “kokha” interests and contacts even with the ruling and opposition parties including the dreaded Shiva Sena chief Bal Thackeray. They all are believed to have received the marriage invitation from D-Company, but would not speak to the press about it. None of them attended the Dubai reception either. There is an unconfirmed report that a parallel function was happening in some other locations, but there is no proof to substantiate the theory. (Miandad at his best)

Dawood.. Big Celebs Abstain...

Many celebrities would have liked to participate in the don’s daughter’s marriage as their growth charts are linked to the bhai connection. A lot of petrodollars have been invested in Bollywood through the don and the occasional film and stage shows involving celebrity stars indicate the continued links with the Middle East. However, there was no overt presence of the don in Dubai for obvious reasons. The Gulf Sheikhs don’t wish to tarnish their image by shielding criminals in their territory. Americans are keenly watching to get an excuse to see Islamic militants presence to justify the next invasion... One more solid reason to keep Dawood away is the alleged role of the don in the leakage of crucial nuclear weapons secrets from the Pakistan scientist to Libya. The USA was seriously concerned about the alleged leakage of Pakistan nuclear secrets to Libya through the Gulf routes. Given these circumstances, it was unlikely that Dawood would have dared to visit Dubai at least on the day of the marriage reception. At least the Dubai Sheikhs would not have welcomed him to the city, especially when the Interpol and Indian intelligence agencies have almost taken over the Grand Hyatt Hotel to monitor the underworld-cricket marriage reception. It is learned that the marriage party booked at least 45 rooms on floors 11,12 and 13 and some of the rooms were close to the lift, for obvious reasons. It is also speculated that the smart don would have ventured to bless his eldest daughter in disguise, probably as an Usthad (Islamic Priest). The couple could get the blessings in one of the hotel suites and an unconfirmed report said that the don himself was in the area, disguised as an Usthad. The Interpol Police and Indian intelligence agencies who were scanning the entire hotel could not trace the don and all the video cameras, mobile phone cameras and the media were kept at a safe distance. The hotel was told to expect 500 guests and was paid for that many. Occupants of more than twenty-five lavishly appointed rooms at the Hyatt were cricketing friends and associates of Miandad, plus his relatives, while others, including those close to Dawood are rumoured to have stayed at other hotels, or quietly at houses of friends and relatives.

Interpol, FBI.. R AW deal..

The Grand Hyatt Hotel did not show any signs of a high profile marriage reception till 10 PM when some guests started coming in from different directions. Apparently most of the guests were staying in the hotel and it is learned that the hotel staff was changed or reshuffled just before the marriage reception. It could be to facilitate easy monitoring of the marriage venue by International police ((Interpol) and the Indian intelligence agencies scanning each and every room of the hotel to ensure that the don is not around. The hotel staff, security and even the sweepers was tight lipped. Private guards were in control of the cameras which filmed the event. It is said that outsiders replaced regular hotel employees to maintain complete secrecy and efforts to contact some of the known employees in the Grand Hyatt did not succeed as their mobiles were switched off. It is heard that a special satellite arrangement was made to ensure that Interpol and Indian agencies could see what was happening in the marriage hall. One source said about 30 security cameras were installed in the marriage hall and the ceremony was live telecast to the Interpol and Indian investigative agencies to show that the don was not present in the marriage reception venue. Some reports suggest that the don was in control of the situation through video conferencing and telephones. The hotel authorities have all right to obey the customer’s requirement or they will lose substantial business. The marriage is the responsibility of bride and reception is held by the Miandad family. However, they gave all facilities to the investigative agencies to monitor the scene.

It is reported that the marriage party booked many rooms in the upper floors of the hotel near the lifts. As the author was legally staying in the hotel by booking a room through proper procedures, there was no reason why they could show him the exit door. However, some journalists who penetrated the marriage hall were detected, as the security cameras were scanning people’s movement everywhere. It is probable that Dawood could be hiding anywhere in the city with high tech security systems like electronic keys and closed circuit televisiion monitoring. However, no trace of the don was seen at the Grand Hyatt because the Interpol was scanning the hotel.

Dubai an Ideal Location for Family Event

No one can blame the Dubai Government for allowing a marriage, a social event, to take place in a private hotel in the city. Dubai was selected as the marriage venue for some valid reasons. Both the Dawood and Miandad families have relatives and business friends in India, Pakistan, various Gulf countries, London, Paris and many other parts of the world. Only Dawood and some of his close relatives are implicated in the Bombay Blasts case that killed nearly 300 people. However, he is not tried in a court. Dawood’s sister Zaitoon Antuley, is said to be his only close family member living in Dubai. It was difficult for Dawood to show up as all airport arrivals were monitoredand he was certain to be picked up like his brother Anees.

It was unlikely that the Indian authorities would have given visa to its own citizens to attend the marriage, if it was held in Pakistan. Many celebrities would like to enjoy the reception, if the media and intelligence agencies are kept away. Many Indian celebrities find Dubai an easy route to Pakistan. Some of them including a former Indian cricket captain are rumoured to have reached the city through a round about route. However, the ongoing controversy about the alleged conversation of Salman Khan with Aiswarya Rai, about his links to Dawood Gang has kept away many big celebs from attending the reception.

"Javad Miandad hails from the Sehgal family which is quite influential in Pakistan. They are also migrated from India and their relatives stay in both India and Pakistan. They would not have been given visa by the Indian authorities, if the marriage reception was conducted in Pakistan. Dubai was an ideal location for the family members to get together without any hassles," said a source. More than five hundred guests were invited for the reception and none has been named to protect their identity from intelligence agencies. Even hotel suites and rooms were booked solely in Miandad’s name, say reports. One theory is that the couple, who fell in love at London, was secretly wedded on 9 July in Mecca. Dawood has reportedly kept away from the marriage function, which was monitored by intelligence agencies.

Sheikhs Avoid Problems with the Dons..

One reason why the UAE authorities who have been cooperating with the US War on Terrorism reluctantly allowed the marriage to happen in Grand Hyatt was the high level contacts that the cricketer and don have developed over the years. More important reason is the Sheikhdom's desire to avoid any law and order problem in the Emirate, where multibilion projects and business worth billions and trillions are at stake. The shoot out that killed the Chotta Rajan gang in the Indian social club had created enough damage which no one wants to be repeated again. There are occasions when the gang members arrested in the Gulf were released under pressure from the don, who sometimes threatened even the higher officials about the negative fall out of arresting or deporting their gang members to India.

Times Says Dawood visited Dubai

The Times of India reported on July 10 that Dawood himself had flown to Dubai a week ago to make the arrangements for the reception. "He then made a booking for a hall at … Hotel. He was also seen visiting the Imperial Hotel …," it said quoting IB sources. "Dawood had also thrown a party for his close aides in Dubai that same evening. While liquor flowed freely, Dawood's special guests enjoyed a performance by dancers who belong to a local troupe," the Times of India report added. The party went on until the wee hours and Dawood took the first flight back to a European country from where he changed planes to return to Karachi, the report added.

One report said the Indian agencies have tracked seventy politicians, gang leaders, film celebrities, industrialists, diamond merchants and underworld associates who have send greetings and expensive gifts through the unofficial hawala route. Gifts have been routed through a host of countries including the US, Australia, South Africa, Britain, and Nepal to reach the couple at pre-designated address in Dubai from where they will be send to Dawood together with named greetings. These politicians from the Ruling Congress, NCP, RJD, Samajwadi party and regional groups could not attend the wedding in Dubai because of intelligence monitoring.

KM Editor Covers Dawood-Miandad Marriage for Star News Channel

It is with great pleasre that KM can inform our visitors that V.M.Sathish, (KM editor) journalist has been credited with the coverage of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's daughter with the former Pakistani cricket captain's elder son. This reporter stayed in the Hotel for two days to report the event for Star News, the leading News channel from India. . Within a few hours the security cameras spotted me peeping around the Baniyas Square, a posh conference venue of Grand Hyatt that can accommodate a whopping 6,000 guests. My photo telecast by Star News during the news coverage was also easily captured by the hotel security and the D-Company members. However, as I was staying legally, the security check by the hotel staff could not create any harm. "Are you staying legally in my property sir?" asked the chief security officer. "Yes, I live on the first floor room number .... This is my room key," I replied, but he was not convinced. "Be with me..It is a security check...Dont move out.." he continued.. and fortunately I did not panic at that moment as I cleverly booked a room in the hotel. The different layers of security were very particular about keepign away journalists and papparazis from the hotel premises as every one was peeping around to encounter any of the high profile guests who were expected to attend the reception. Going up and down the lift, talking to the sweepers and hotel boys did not yield much result...but it was a challenging task and wonderful experience in my seven years journalism career in the Gulf to be reporting to the number one channel in India..Whenever they encountered me with a suspcious look the Dawood -Miandad men were polite and decent. They never displayed any arrogance or high handedness, which are normally part of the underworld dealings.

. The much talked about wedding of Pakistani cricketer`s son with the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's daughter has been the centre of media focus all around the world. Almost all the leading Indian Television channels were present in front of Banias Ball Room, Grand Hyatt Hotel to get a glimpse of the most wanted underworld don, Dawood Sheikh Ibrahim. Mr. and Mrs.Dawood Ibrahim send out invitations to attend the marriage reception of their eldest daughter many celebrities had second thoughts whether to be part of the celebrations as nobody would like to invite trouble from the Interpol, Indian intelligence agencies like the CBI, Research and Analysis Wing and other law enforcement agencies, that have been eagerly waiting for the D-Day to crack down the D-Company Chief Executive Officer, Dawood Ibrahim. Even though he is known as a notorious criminal and underworld don, Dawood is also a father, husband and an ordinary human being. It was a challenging assignment when Star News Bureau Chief's called at the eleventh hour to cover the most sought after couple of the season and peep into the marriage hall to see whether any celebrities are present there to create sensational news stories for the Indian viewers. It was a real challenging assignment to be around looking for news, amidst security agencies, intelligence officials and the dons own people viewing everything through a closed circuit television network within the hotel complex. Even though the Papparazi style journalism is impossible in Dubai, the Sheikhdom with maximum media freedom in the GCC, some journalists tried to sneak into the marriage hall and ended up in the police station for questioning. It was a useful decision to book a costly room in the posh five star hotels and peep around for stories.... a remarkable achievement for any journalist as the underworld-cricket world marriage was extensively covered for the premier News Channel from the venue of the marriage.. More

Classic Labourers Supply Company Promises Gold, No Cash

A report by the Khaleej Times said the Classic Labour Supply Company, run by a leading Malayali businessman who owns Viswas Jewellery has satisfied about 3,000 workers by offering to sell gold from the new jewellery outlet rather than Dirahms for their monthly salary. As earlier reported by media about the unfair labour practices in Keith International, Classic has no such problem, except may be a temporary cash crunch. Or the managers are doing an indirect way of boosting the new gold venture. According to Khaleej Times, over 3000 construction workers belonging to Sharjah-based Classic Labourers Supply Company staged a protest against payment of wages in gold in lieu of cash the company owed them. ..The labourers told Khaleej Times that the owner of the company owned Viswas Gold Shop at New Gold Centre in Dubai where they had gathered to collect the gold. The company is owned by a prominent Malayali VIP who is often found in the company of prominent leaders including the working class leaders. The labour supply company banners adorn the meetings about proletarian issues and intellectual seminars about Non Resident Keralite problems. "The company supplies labourers to Al Naboudah Link Contracting to work at its site in Dubai airport. An official from Al Naboudah Contracting said they pay the labourer supplying company on time since they supply large number of workers," said the KT report. .Workers said when they sell the gold in the market, they lose Dh500 each..That too 3,000 workers toiling in the torching heat.. There is no major problem as such, but the story once again highlights the company with which the left leaders including Sukumar Azhikkodu, Pinarayi Vijayan and other comrades are often found... More from Khaleej Times

Nakheel appoints GM for Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Lake Towers

July 29, 2005, Dubai, UAE Nakheel - the UAE’s premier property developer - has appointed Fahad Yousuf Al Haidan in the new role of General Manager for Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Lake Towers. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Fahad will have complete responsibility for all project aspects including planning, design, tendering, construction, managing, maintaining, and customer relations. Fahad will lead a team of highly skilled operational and functional professionals at both projects to ensure that both projects are delivered with the highest quality standards. Created to foster a healthy lifestyle with families in mind, Jumeirah Islands offers residential units clustered among lush landscaped canals. The 300-hectare residential community is located just off Sheikh Zayed Road between Interchanges 5 and 6, consists of 46 clusters set around waterfalls, lagoons and calm currents. Each cluster comprises 16 villas with private swimming pools in a community designed for everyday living. Close by, Jumeirah Lake Towers is a contemporary development encompassing a series of attractive residencies, offices and retail outlets within 79 unique towers.

Sold on a freehold basis to investors who will develop each plot within Nakheel’s guidelines, the towers will be clustered and surrounded by lakes, landscaped gardens and waterways.Fahad joined Nakheel in January 2001 as a constriction engineer, immediately beginning work on The Gardens – Nakheel’s hugely successful first development. Fahad joined the team during the beginning of the construction stage and helped to ensure that the project was delivered on time and within budget. After this successful spell, Fahad successfully worked on Nakheel’s Ibn Battuta Mall during the first phase of construction, before moving to work on Discovery Gardens where he was responsible for injecting significant speed into the construction progress. Fahad has also worked closely with government authorities to facilitate the procedure to the benefit of Nakheel projects. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel, said: “Fahad is a trusted and experienced member of the Nakheel team who has played a significant role in the success story of several of our projects - it’s no coincidence that projects such as The Gardens and Ibn Battuta Mall have defied all expectations. “It is with this excellent experience and expertise that I have been enabled to entrust Fahad with two important Nakheel projects – Jumeirah Lake Towers and Jumeirah Islands. When these projects are delivered, along with The Palm, Jumeirah; Discovery Gardens; and our existing developments, Dubai with have an alternative heart; Fahad is the perfect choice to help oversee this important period in our history.” Fahad Al Haidan, General Manager for Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Lake Towers, said: “I would like to thank Nakheel for giving me this important opportunity; my role is very clear - to meet customer expectation and help ensure that Nakheel maintains its position as a world class developer.”

Jean Claude Farah appointed as Regional Vice President

United Arab Emirates, 27th July 2005 – Western Union Financial Services Inc., a worldwide leader in money transfer services, announced the promotion of Jean Claude Farah to Regional Vice President, Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan from Director, Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Reporting to Hikmet Ersek, Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia in Vienna, Jean Claude Farah oversees two regional offices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Islamabad, Pakistan, managing a team of 26 seasoned professionals, covering 15 countries and over 5000 agent locations.Jean Claude Farah joined Western Union Financial Services in 1999 as Marketing Manager for Dubai’s office after stints as area manager for Orangina Pernod Ricard, France and assistant Marketing Manager for Renault.Jean Claude Farah, a French – Lebanese national, obtained an MBA from the Europe School of Management in Paris, France and a BA in Business Administration from St Joseph University in Lebanon. He has wide experience in business development, strategic planning and marketing.