Properties linked to fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim have finally been sold in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, marking a significant step in the government’s long-standing efforts to dispose of assets tied to criminal activities. The auction, conducted on March 5, 2026, ended years of unsuccessful attempts to find buyers for these controversial properties.
The assets included four agricultural plots located in Mumbake village in Ratnagiri. These properties were registered under the name of Ibrahim’s mother, Amina Bi, and had been seized under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA). The law empowers authorities to confiscate assets believed to have been acquired through illegal means.
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According to officials, two bidders emerged in the latest auction. One Mumbai-based buyer secured a single plot, while another acquired the remaining three by quoting the highest bids. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the buyers.
The sale is notable because previous attempts in 2017, 2020, 2024, and 2025 failed to attract bidders. In some cases, including a November 2025 auction, there was no participation at all, highlighting the hesitation among buyers to invest in properties associated with high-profile criminal figures.
This time, authorities set varied reserve prices, ranging from a few thousand rupees to over 9 lakh. One prime plot, with a reserve price of around 9.41 lakh, was sold for more than 10 lakh, signalling improved market interest.
Officials stated that the successful bidders must complete full payment by April 2026, after which the transaction will be finalised upon approval from the competent authority.
The development is being seen as a breakthrough in the government’s efforts to liquidate illicit assets and reinforce legal mechanisms aimed at dismantling criminal wealth networks.
