In a significant development, Dawood Ibrahim’s ancestral agricultural plots in Mumbake village, Khed taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, were sold on March 5, 2026, after nearly a decade of failed auctions. This auction marked the fifth attempt to sell these properties under 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. The successful bidder is required to deposit full payment by April 2026 to finalize the ownership transfer.
Dawood Ibrahim, who is believed to be residing in Karachi, Pakistan, remains India’s most wanted fugitive and terror suspect. He is infamously known for orchestrating the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which resulted in the deaths of 257 people and injuries to over 700 others.
Despite the clear titles and government backing of the parcels, factors such as their location and the stigma attached to Ibrahim’s name have historically discouraged buyers. An official commented, “These parcels have clear titles and government backing, yet factors like their location and the stigma attached to Dawood Ibrahim’s name have historically discouraged buyers.”
In a related cultural context, 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, stating, “I observed lots of old people and how they talk. I went to a couple of hospitals and visited a few relatives.”
The film features a notable cast, including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, and its portrayal of the character appears to be loosely inspired by real-life events linked to the 1993 Bombay blasts.
This recent auction outcome may signal a shift in the perception of Ibrahim’s properties, potentially opening the door for future transactions. However, the implications of this sale on Ibrahim’s legacy and ongoing criminal investigations remain to be seen.
Details remain unconfirmed.
