In a significant development, Dawood Ibrahim’s ancestral plots in Mumbake village, Khed taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, have been sold after nearly a decade of unsuccessful auctions. The auction, held on March 5, 2026, marked the fifth attempt to sell these properties under the provisions of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA).
A Mumbai-based bidder successfully acquired all four agricultural parcels, which had remained unsold for nine years, having been rejected in previous auctions held in 2017, 2020, 2024, and November 2025. This sale represents a notable shift in the long-stalled efforts to liquidate assets linked to one of India’s most wanted fugitives.
The successful bidder is required to deposit the full payment by April 2026 to finalize the ownership transfer. These parcels, despite their clear titles and government backing, have historically faced challenges in attracting buyers due to their location and the stigma attached to Dawood Ibrahim’s name, as noted by an official involved in the auction process.
Dawood Ibrahim, who is believed to be residing in Karachi, Pakistan, is notorious for orchestrating the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which resulted in the deaths of 257 people and left over 700 injured. His legacy continues to cast a long shadow over discussions of organized crime and terrorism in India.
Interestingly, the character ‘Bade Sahab’ in the film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” is inspired by Ibrahim. Portrayed by Danish Iqbal, the character is depicted as an old, sickly man who commands respect and influences events from the shadows. Iqbal prepared for the role by observing elderly individuals in hospitals, aiming to capture the gravity and authority of his character.
As the film draws connections to real-life events, including the 1993 bombings, it highlights the ongoing fascination and fear surrounding figures like Ibrahim. The portrayal of such characters in popular culture often reflects the complex interplay between crime, power, and societal perceptions.
Reactions to the auction have varied, with some expressing relief at the sale of the long-unsold properties, while others remain cautious about the implications of such transactions. The successful sale may pave the way for future auctions of properties linked to organized crime, but it also raises questions about the lingering impact of Ibrahim’s legacy on the real estate market.
As the dust settles on this auction, the broader implications of Ibrahim’s influence continue to resonate, reminding us of the intricate ties between crime, culture, and community in India.
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