In a significant development, the ancestral agricultural plots of notorious fugitive Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbake village, Khed taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, were successfully auctioned on March 5, 2026. This marks the first successful sale after nearly a decade of failed attempts to auction the properties, which had been rejected in previous auctions held in 2017, 2020, 2024, and November 2025.
A Mumbai-based bidder acquired all four agricultural parcels, which had remained unsold for nine years. The successful bidder is required to deposit the full payment by April 2026 to finalize the ownership transfer. The auction was conducted under the provisions of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA).
Despite the clear titles and government backing of these parcels, factors such as their location and the stigma attached to Dawood Ibrahim’s name have historically discouraged potential 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.”
Dawood Ibrahim, who is believed to be residing in Karachi, Pakistan, remains India’s most wanted fugitive and terror suspect. His notoriety is underscored by his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which resulted in the deaths of 257 people and injuries to over 700 others.
In a related cultural context, the character ‘Bade Sahab’ from 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 film features a prominent cast, including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, and the character ‘Bade Sahab’ is depicted as an old, sickly man who influences events from the shadows. Iqbal noted the challenge of balancing the character’s power and authority with his frailty, saying, “The power, aggression and authority. You are sick, and at the same time, you have that gravity and authority so it was challenging to balance it all.”
The portrayal of ‘Bade Sahab’ in the film appears to be loosely inspired by real-life events linked to the 1993 Bombay blasts, further intertwining the legacy of Dawood Ibrahim with contemporary narratives.
As the auction results unfold, the implications of this sale may resonate beyond real estate, potentially impacting ongoing discussions surrounding organized crime and terrorism in India.