Key Points:
- Court Ruling: A Mumbai special TADA court has ordered the transfer of 14 properties linked to Tiger Memon, mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, to the central government.
- Properties Details: The assets include flats, plots, offices, and shops located in Bandra, Mahim, Santacruz, Kurla, Dongri, and Zaveri Bazaar.
- Historical Context: The properties were attached in 1994 under TADA and had been under Bombay High Court’s receiver since then.
- Blast Aftermath: The 1993 serial blasts killed 257 people and injured over 700; Tiger Memon remains absconding.
Mumbai: In a landmark decision, a special TADA court in Mumbai has directed the transfer of 14 properties belonging to Tiger Memon and his family to the central government. Tiger Memon is one of the alleged masterminds behind the devastating 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts that claimed 257 lives and injured over 700 people. The court’s ruling comes nearly 32 years after the properties were first attached by authorities.
Details of the Properties
The extensive list of forfeited properties includes:
- A flat in Bandra (West).
- An office premises and open plot in Mahim.
- A vacant plot and flat in Santacruz (East).
- Two flats in Kurla.
- An office on Mohammed Ali Road.
- A shop and plot in Dongri.
- Three shops in Manish Market.
- A building on Sheikh Memon Street in Zaveri Bazaar.
These assets had been under the custody of the Bombay High Court’s receiver since their attachment in 1994 following an order by the TADA court. They were linked to Tiger Memon’s family members, including his brothers Yakub and Essa Memon, and other relatives.
Legal Proceedings
The properties were initially attached under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA). This act allows authorities to trace and seize properties acquired through illegal activities such as smuggling or foreign exchange manipulation. In 1993, SAFEMA authorities ordered the forfeiture of these assets based on a detention order issued by Maharashtra’s government under COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act).
However, subsequent legal challenges delayed their release. Notices were issued to Tiger Memon and his family members regarding the forfeiture proceedings, but no response was received. Special Judge VD Kedar ruled on March 26, 2025, that possession of these immovable properties must now be handed over to the central government.
Background: The 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blasts
On March 12, 1993, Mumbai witnessed one of its deadliest terror attacks a series of 13 coordinated bomb blasts orchestrated by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim with assistance from Tiger Memon. These attacks targeted key locations across the city, including Zaveri Bazaar, Air India Building, Bombay Stock Exchange, hotels, and public spaces. The blasts were reportedly carried out at the behest of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.
Tiger Memon played a pivotal role in smuggling RDX explosives into India via sea routes. While he remains absconding with suspected links to Karachi-based Dawood Ibrahim, his brother Yakub Memon was convicted for his involvement and executed in 2015.
Impact of Court Order
This ruling marks a significant step in addressing the aftermath of one of India’s darkest chapters. By transferring these properties to the central government, authorities aim to ensure that proceeds from illegal activities are repurposed for public benefit. The competent authority under SAFEMA will oversee their disposal or utilization.
The transfer of Tiger Memon’s properties symbolizes justice catching up with those involved in acts of terror. While many conspirators remain at large, this decision underscores India’s commitment to dismantling networks built on crime and violence. As legal proceedings continue against absconding accused like Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim, this ruling serves as a reminder that justice can prevail even decades later.
