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.

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James Coles has been rapidly increasing in profile over the last year. The 21-year-old all-rounder from Sussex made his first-class debut for Sussex at the age of 16, showcasing his talent early on in his career. Coles was previously with Southern Brave before being signed by London Spirit.

Record Auction Bid

In a significant development, Coles fetched £390,000 in the men’s Hundred auction, marking the highest bid for a player this year. This amount surpassed bids for notable players such as Joe Root, who was bid at £240,000, and Adil Rashid, who received a bid of £250,000. Jordan Cox also attracted attention with a bid of £300,000.

Coles’ impressive performance in recent matches has contributed to his rising profile. He was the leading wicket-taker in the T20I series against Pakistan Shaheens, taking eight wickets at an average of 8.25. Additionally, he scored 129 runs at a strike rate of 136.26 in last year’s competition, further solidifying his status as a valuable player.

Reactions to the Bid

Reactions to Coles’ record bid have been mixed, with some expressing excitement about his potential. Eoin Morgan remarked, “His ceiling is huge,” highlighting the expectations surrounding the young player. However, Ravi Bopara noted that with such a price tag, there will naturally be some pressure on him to perform.

Observers suggest that Coles’ rapid ascent in the cricketing world will require him to adapt to the expectations that come with his new status. As he joins London Spirit, many are keen to see how he will integrate into the team and contribute to their success.

Looking Ahead

Coles has eight first-class hundreds to his name, and his ability to perform under pressure will be closely monitored as the season progresses. His recent performances indicate that he is well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead. As the cricket community watches closely, the upcoming matches will be crucial for Coles to demonstrate his capabilities and justify the significant investment made by London Spirit.

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