Mumbai News: UP Man Moves MCOCA Court After 25-Year Wait For Possession Of Dawood Ibrahim’s Nagpada Shop Bought In 2001 Auction

Mumbai: The struggle for Hitesh Jain, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, to get the shop owned by Dawood Ibrahim, which he won in an auction in September 2001 is far from over. Around 25 years later, Jain has now knocked on the doors of the special MCOCA court.

On June 11, he moved a plea before the special court, seeking peaceful possession of the property – Umera Engineering works, shop no 4, 32/36, Jayraj Bhai lane. He also appeared in person, pleading the court to hear his plea.

“Since I did not have any lawyer, I was asked to seek assistance from legal aid lawyers who operate from the office located on the same floor as the court,” said a disappointed Jain. His plea has now been adjourned to July 9.

He claimed that after winning the bid, he was told to appear before the special court in September 2001. “I appeared before the court where I was asked to give an affidavit stating that I will not transfer the said property to anyone having links to Dawood,” Jain said. He said that he complied with the directive and requested the court for the shop's vacant possession.

In his recent plea, Jain pointed out that on October 10, 2001, he had submitted the affidavit to the court, agreeing to the condition of not selling the property to a third party with criminal background.

In the affidavit, Jain had requested the court that the property should be handed over with proper police protection. However, there is no progress yet, he asserted.

“On December 19, 2024, the property had been registered in the name of the applicant but till date, he has not received the possession. Hence, the applicant is suffering heavy loss as he is unable to enjoy the property rights despite being a lawful owner,” said Jain's plea.