Former MLC Haji Iqbal’s 56 Properties Worth ₹2.76 Billion to Be Seized, DM Orders

Saharanpur: The administration in Saharanpur has ordered the attachment of 56 properties belonging to former MLC Haji Iqbal under the Gangster Act. The total market value of these properties is estimated at approximately ₹2.76 billion.

The District Magistrate, Manish Bansal, issued the orders for this action. Following the DM’s directive, the Behat Tehsildar has been appointed as the administrator to manage the attached properties. The process of taking government possession of these assets has already commenced.

Allegations of Organized Illegal Gains
According to the DM’s order, Haji Iqbal, also known as Bala, along with his sons, relatives, and associates, allegedly formed an organized gang. This gang is accused of serious offenses, including illegal timber theft in Khair, unlawful mining, and encroachment on both government and private lands.

The administration claims that these activities enabled the acquisition of substantial illegal wealth. A case under the Gangster Act was registered at Mirzapur police station in 2022. Reports suggest that Haji Iqbal and his family members face around 50 separate cases in various police stations.

Action Against Sons and Associates
The administration has stated that Haji Iqbal’s sons—Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Wajid, Alishan, and Afzal—as well as other associates, are also accused of amassing illegal assets through organized activities. Following the administrative order, these properties are being confiscated and brought under government control.

Haji Iqbal Remains at Large
Haji Iqbal has been evading arrest for a long time. A reward of ₹100,000 has been announced for information leading to his capture, and the police are actively searching for him.

Legal Challenge Expected
Haji Iqbal’s legal representatives have claimed that the seizure order contradicts the directives of the High Court and Supreme Court. They have indicated that the decision will be legally challenged in higher courts.

Haji Iqbal had served as an MLC from Saharanpur during the BSP regime. Following a change in the state government, actions against him intensified, leading to multiple criminal cases being filed.