New Delhi: In Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth billions belonging to Mohammad Iqbal, also known as Haji Iqbal. Once a powerful figure in previous governments, Haji Iqbal built his empire through illegal mining activities. Currently, he is believed to be hiding in an Arab country as he faces numerous charges, including illegal mining, extortion, and money laundering.Influence during BSP governmentHaji Iqbals influence peaked during the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government in Uttar Pradesh. His dominance in the mining sector made him a significant figure, with many of his associates becoming millionaires. However, the same wealth accumulated through criminal activities is now under scrutiny. The ED has confiscated assets worth Rs 4,440 crore, adding to previous seizures of properties valued in the billions. Over 40 cases are registered against him.Major mining mafiaDuring the Samajwadi Party (SP) and BSP tenures, Haji Iqbal was notorious as the biggest mining mafia in western Uttar Pradesh. His illegal operations amassed a fortune. In May 2022, the Saharanpur police seized 123 properties worth Rs 107 crore belonging to his close associates under the Gangster Act. These properties were valued at Rs 36 crore 40 lakh 13 thousand 130 rupees.Previous governments inactionDespite his notorious reputation, previous governments were reluctant to act against Haji Iqbal. He played a significant role during the BSP regime, profiting from mining and acquiring sugar mills at minimal prices. The Saharanpur police took action against his properties in May 2022.EDs 2021 action and sugar mill scamIn March 2021, the ED targeted former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Mohammad Iqbal in the Uttar Pradesh sugar mill scam. The agency attached properties worth over Rs 1,000 crore belonging to him. This investigation stemmed from the tenure of then Chief Minister Mayawati. From 2010 to 2011, 11 sugar mills were sold at throwaway prices, resulting in a loss of approximately Rs 1,179 crore to the state and central governments.During Mayawatis rule (2007-2012), the ED attached assets worth Rs 1,097 crore from Mohammad Iqbal and his family. Following a request from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the CBI also began investigating the matter. Based on the CBIs findings, the ED registered a money laundering case.Shell companies and sugar mills acquisitionInvestigations revealed that shell companies controlled by Mohammad Iqbal, such as Namrata Marketing Pvt. Ltd. and Girisho Company Pvt. Ltd., were used to acquire sugar mills. Through various shell companies and fake transactions, Haji Iqbal and his family bought seven sugar mills located in Barabanki, Deoria, Kushinagar, and Bareilly. The companies involved included Ablez Chini Mills Private Limited, Adarsh Sugar Private Limited, Agile Sugar India Private Limited, Ikon Sugar Mills Private Limited, Majesty Sugar Solutions Private Limited, Mastiff Sugar Solution Private Limited, and Okra Sugars Private Limited.Saharanpur polices attachment actionsIn May 2022, the Saharanpur Police, along with the Revenue Department, attached 50 benami properties worth Rs 21 crore. Earlier, on April 9, 2022, a case under the Gangster Act was registered against Haji Iqbal and six associates in Mirzapur police station, revealing large-scale smuggling, illegal mining, and land encroachment.Numerous cases and seized assetsIn 2022, Haji Iqbal and his gang faced multiple charges. He had 28 cases against him, while his sons Abdul Wahid alias Wajid and Javed faced 12 cases each from Lucknow to Saharanpur. His third son, Afzal, had 3 cases, and the fourth son, Alishan, had 7 cases. Additionally, an 11-crore bungalow in Lucknow was locked in a disproportionate assets case, and bulldozers were used on his houses in Saharanpur.EDs recent seizureThe latest ED action reveals that Haji Iqbal invested over Rs 500 crore from illegal mining into land purchases and university construction. The current market value of these properties, including land and buildings, is Rs 4,439 crore. The ED reports that the former MLC is absconding, likely in Dubai, while his four sons and brother are imprisoned in various cases.
