Sunday MiD DAY tracks the story behind Iqbal Bhatkal, considered founder member of IM and chief of Maharashtra unit

Iqbal Bhatkal may be considered the second-most powerful man in the Indian Mujahideen (IM) hierarchy, but his origins are humble, considering he was unable to complete a diploma course despite 18 attempts.

Bhatkal took admission in Bhiwandi's Shad Adam Polytechnic for a three-year diploma in Construction Technology in 1982. "He would fight with class mates to sit on the first bench, even though he found it tough to concentrate on lectures. He had a huge group of friends and no one dared to get in their way," remembered a former classmate of Bhatkal, who requested anonymity.

Bhatkal was often called Hakla by his classmates because of his stammering. He would go to college regularly but would hardly be found in class. According to his classmates, he often got into brawls with juniors in college.

"He was not religious but he sported a beard in college and stayed away from tobacco. He would harass teachers by throwing chalks at them," said the classmate.

Bhatkal was good at academics. The classmate remembered, "When a teacher once asked him to explain what a column (pillar for making rooms) was, Bhatkal said, 'Ise khamba bolte hain."'

"During the theory paper of Construction Drawing (CD), not even half an hour into the exam, when Bhatkal found the questions tough, he stood up, asking for permission to leave. The teacher informed him that no one was allowed to leave the examination room but Bhatkal argued, signed the attendance register and left with four of his cronies," the classmate added.

After failing to clear the course, Bhatkal began selling ittar (perfume oil) in South Mumbai's Manish Market.