Delhi Police Special Cell Nabs 'Lady Don' in Major Drug Syndicate Operation
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has made a significant arrest, taking into custody Khusnuma Ansari, also known by the alias Neha. Investigators have identified her as a key accomplice of Mahfuz, who is widely recognized as Bobby Kabootar in criminal circles. This development marks a crucial breakthrough in dismantling organized crime networks operating within the capital region.
Beauty Parlor Served as Front for Illegal Drug Distribution Network
Khusnuma Ansari was operating a beauty parlour situated in northeast Delhi, which authorities claim functioned merely as a facade to conceal the gang's illicit activities. Police officials assert that this establishment was strategically used to mask and manage an extensive drug distribution network. The arrest occurred near the Mahipalpur flyover, where law enforcement recovered a substantial quantity of narcotics, leading investigators to dub her with the ominous title "Madam Zeher."
According to police statements, Ansari has been associated with Mahfuz for approximately seven years, indicating a long-standing partnership in criminal enterprises. Her alleged involvement extends to managing a drug syndicate that has connections to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba gang. Mahfuz was previously arrested by the Special Cell, and his name has surfaced in multiple high-profile investigations, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and a shooting incident at the residence of Bollywood actor Disha Patani.
Emerging Pattern of Women in Central Gang Roles Across Delhi-NCR
Ansari's arrest coincides with a series of cases in the Delhi-National Capital Region where women are alleged to have occupied central positions in gang activity. These roles range from conspirators and facilitators to operational heads, challenging traditional perceptions of organized crime hierarchies.
In a related incident from 2025, a 17-year-old boy named Kunal was fatally stabbed in northeast Delhi's Seelampur area during Thursday evening. Police believe this was a revenge killing that sparked protests and escalated tensions locally. Authorities have identified two teenage suspects who are currently absconding and have deployed ten specialized teams to apprehend them. Additionally, a woman named Zikra was arrested for allegedly conspiring with the accused and abetting the crime.
Profile of 'Lady Don' Zikra and Her Criminal Associations
Investigators reveal that Zikra previously worked as a bouncer for Zoya, the wife of incarcerated gangster Hashim Baba. She is alleged to be associated with the Shoaib-Mastan gang, a local criminal outfit known for its operations in the region. Zikra had been arrested earlier for flaunting firearms on her Instagram account, where she boasts a following of 15,000 users. In numerous posts, she posed with weapons, allegedly to project an image of gang-related bravado and intimidation.
Police assert that Zikra played a pivotal role in instigating the murder of Kunal. She is accused of encouraging the two teenage suspects, who are also believed to be members of the Shoaib-Mastan gang, to execute the attack. This case underscores the influential positions women can hold within these criminal networks.
Earlier Case in Noida Involving Another 'Lady Don'
In 2024, police in Noida took custody of Kajal Khatri, another individual labeled as a 'lady don.' She had been arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the murder of an Air India employee at a market in Sector 104 earlier that year. After being brought on transit remand, Khatri was sent to Luksar jail.
Authorities believe Kajal Khatri is the girlfriend of jailed gangster Kapil Mann and was allegedly managing the gang's operations on his behalf following his arrest in 2019. According to police reports, Kapil Mann had orchestrated the murder of Suraj Mann, who was shot dead moments after exiting his gym and entering his vehicle. This case further illustrates the trend of women assuming leadership roles in criminal enterprises when male counterparts are incarcerated.
The arrests of Khusnuma Ansari, Zikra, and Kajal Khatri collectively highlight a shifting dynamic in organized crime within the Delhi-NCR region. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly encountering women who not only participate in but also orchestrate and manage sophisticated illegal operations, from drug syndicates to violent crimes. These developments necessitate enhanced investigative strategies and a deeper understanding of the evolving structures of criminal networks.
