Dawood Ibrahim’s Ancestral Land Sold After Nine Years of Failed Auctions
In a significant development, Dawood Ibrahim’s ancestral agricultural parcels 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 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 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 in Karachi, Pakistan, remains India’s most wanted fugitive and terror suspect. His notoriety has historically discouraged buyers, despite the parcels having clear titles and government backing. 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.”
The sale comes in the wake of a significant reduction in reserve prices, with a 30% cut implemented in November 2025. The largest plot, Survey Number 442, had a reserve price of ₹9.41 lakh, while previous bids for smaller parcels had not met expectations.
In a related cultural context, the character ‘Bade Sahab’ in the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, portrayed by Danish Iqbal, is inspired by Dawood Ibrahim. 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 character, depicted as an old, sickly man who commands respect, influences events from the shadows, reflecting the complex legacy of Ibrahim. The film features a notable cast, including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt.
Dawood Ibrahim’s involvement in organized crime and terrorism is underscored by the tragic legacy of the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which he orchestrated, resulting in the deaths of 257 people and injuries to over 700 others.
As the auction results unfold, the impact of Ibrahim’s legacy continues to resonate in both legal and cultural spheres, illustrating the ongoing challenges associated with his notorious reputation.