A significant development unfolded in Maharashtra as properties linked to the kin of notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim were auctioned off, including Ibrahim’s childhood home in Ratnagiri and three other assets. Two of these properties were successfully auctioned, marking a crucial step in the disposal of assets associated with the elusive criminal.
The auction, conducted under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, witnessed brisk bidding activity. One of the auctioned properties, agricultural land spanning 170.98 sqmt, surpassed expectations, fetching a bid of ₹2.01 crore against a reserve price of ₹15,440. Similarly, another agricultural land measuring 1730 sqmt secured a bid of ₹3.28 lakh, exceeding its reserve price of ₹1,56,270, as reported by PTI.
Authorities from the competent body under the act managed the auction at Aayakar Bhavan in south Mumbai. Among the properties put up for auction, Dawood’s childhood home held particular significance, alongside the other seized assets. These lands had been confiscated under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act.
An official statement from SAFEMA associated with the auction revealed earlier anticipations of robust bidding activity. The bidding process took place on January 5, witnessing several competitive bids vying for the properties.
This auction marks a continuation of efforts by authorities to liquidate assets associated with Dawood Ibrahim. SAFEMA had previously conducted auctions in 2017 and 2020, auctioning more than 17 properties connected to the gangster.
Ajay Srivastava, a lawyer and Shiv Sena member, shared his involvement in bidding for Ibrahim’s properties in 2001. Srivastava expressed optimism about securing ownership rights to Dawood’s ancestral home, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding possession rights. He detailed ongoing legal battles and endeavors to acquire possession, citing a pending case in the high court.
Srivastava also discussed his intentions to utilize the acquired properties for constructive purposes. He mentioned establishing an educational institute, the Sanatan Pathshala, in Ibrahim’s Ratnagiri bungalow, emphasizing plans for its upcoming construction under a trust he leads.
Dawood Ibrahim, a prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, has been a fugitive since leaving India following the devastating bombings that claimed numerous lives. Designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the United Nations, he heads the notorious international terrorist network known as D-Company, listed under the UAPA Act.
The auction of these properties represents a significant step in the legal process, furthering efforts to handle assets linked to Dawood Ibrahim’s network while stakeholders navigate complex legal intricacies in this ongoing endeavor.
Sources By Agencies
