Rumors Surrounding Dawood Ibrahim’s Alleged Poisoning Spark Social Media Frenzy Amid Internet Shutdown in Pakistan
On Monday, December 18th, social media platforms were inundated with speculations regarding the demise of notorious terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, who has been evading authorities in Pakistan for decades. Unverified reports suggested that Ibrahim had been poisoned by an unidentified assailant, leading to his hospitalization. The rumors gained traction on Sunday when Pakistan experienced a sudden internet outage.
Several social media posts claimed Ibrahim’s critical condition, while others asserted his demise. The speculation intensified with the circulation of an alleged screenshot from the Twitter account of caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar. However, an investigation by OpIndia revealed that the screenshot was fabricated, using a fan account with a similar handle. The official account of the Pakistani PM is Anwaar_kakar.
Pakistani journalists, including Aarzoo Kazmi on the Bheja Fry show, fueled the rumors by discussing the alleged poisoning and Ibrahim’s critical health. Despite the buzz, there was no official confirmation of Ibrahim’s death.
Aaj Tak reported that Ibrahim had indeed been admitted to a hospital two days prior, although the reason remained unclear. Rumors of poisoning circulated, contributing to the ongoing speculation surrounding his health.
The internet shutdown in Pakistan on December 17th added fuel to the fire. Social media services and search engines ceased to function without warning, blocking access to platforms like X, Facebook, YouTube, and Google. While initial rumors suggested a connection between the shutdown and Ibrahim’s alleged poisoning, it was later revealed that the government took this measure to control the dissemination of videos from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s virtual rally.
Dawood Ibrahim, a notorious criminal, and drug dealer in Mumbai has been designated a global terrorist by India and the United States since 2003, with a $25 million reward for his capture. Reports suggest that he resides in Karachi, Pakistan. Despite recurring death rumors on social media, it is important to note that such speculations arise periodically. The fact remains that Ibrahim is hiding in Pakistan, a claim vehemently denied by the neighboring country. The situation continues to unfold with uncertainty, emphasizing the need for verified information amid the ongoing online frenzy.
