Mamta Kulkarni backtracks after saying Dawood Ibrahim “not a terrorist”; says, “I was referring to Vicky Goswami, not Dawood Ibrahim”

Former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni has found herself at the centre of controversy after making remarks about underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, suggesting that he “is not a terrorist.” Her statement, which appeared to exonerate the fugitive gangster from involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, quickly drew widespread backlash, prompting her to issue a clarification.

 

Mamta Kulkarni backtracks after saying Dawood Ibrahim “not a terrorist”; says, “I was referring to Vicky Goswami, not Dawood Ibrahim”

 

Mamta was in Gorakhpur this week for a three-day spiritual tour. According to PTI, during a press conference on Tuesday, she reportedly said that Dawood Ibrahim “did not carry out the Mumbai blasts and is not a terrorist.” Her remarks stirred outrage online, with many criticising her for attempting to absolve one of India’s most wanted criminals. Dawood is a prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed 257 people and injured over a thousand. He fled India in the late 1980s and is believed to have been living in Karachi for more than two decades.

 

Facing mounting criticism, Mamta later backtracked on her statement. Speaking again to the media in Gorakhpur on Thursday, she clarified, “I was referring to Vicky Goswami, not Dawood Ibrahim. Dawood is indeed a terrorist.” Goswami, a former drug trafficker who was arrested and imprisoned in the past, was previously linked to the former film star.

 

Mamta further explained that she has never met Dawood and has no ties to him or to politics. “I have no connection with politics or the film industry now. I am completely devoted to spirituality. As a staunch follower of Sanatan Dharma, it is impossible for me to have any association with anti-national elements,” she said.

 

A popular actor in the 1990s, Mamta appeared in hits like Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, and China Gate before quitting films in 2002. In 2016, she made headlines when the Thane Police named her as an accused in a Rs 2,000 crores international drug racket. The Bombay High Court later dismissed the case in 2024, calling it “manifestly frivolous and vexatious.” In recent years, Mamta has been leading a reclusive life as a monk devoted to spirituality.

 

Also Read : Mamta Kulkarni resigns from the post of Mahamandaleshwar; says, “Perhaps it’s a sign that I should step away”

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