Former BSP MLC and mining magnate Mohammad Iqbal, known as Haji Iqbal, is currently in the spotlight. The Enforcement Directorate has seized his Global University building and lands, valued at ₹4440 crores. Iqball's assets, worth billions, have been confiscated before. The burning question is the origin of his wealth and how Haji Iqbal amassed such an empire.
Elders from Mirzapur say that Mohammad Iqbal once struggled financially. His grocery business initially didn't flourish, but gradually it picked up alongside his honey-selling venture. As his financial situation improved, Iqbal took an interest in politics.
Source: aajtak
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When the BSP was in power in the state, Iqbal joined the party. The area around his home is prone to droughts and floods. There, he started to establish his footing in the mining industry, which eventually flourished to the extent that he built an empire worth thousands of crores while the BSP was in control.
Once known by the name Iqbal
Earlier, everyone knew Mohammad Iqbal simply as Iqbal. After joining the BSP, however, he gained recognition by his full name. Once his mining business was established and he acquired billions in assets, he founded the Glocal University. The university was started under a charitable trust named after his son.
Source: aajtak
Haji Iqbal has served as a BSP MLC
Mining lord Mohammad Iqbal has been an MLC for the BSP. He has expanded his business extensively within India and internationally. When the BJP came into power, tough times began for Mohammad Iqbal. As the BJP government initiated probes into mining operations and disproportionate assets, Iqbal fled to Dubai.
Mohammad Iqbal was once a prominent name in the mining business in Western Uttar Pradesh, notorious for accumulating vast wealth and property. During the BSP regime, he even acquired sugar mills for a pittance, amassing a fortune.
Investigations on properties began with the BJP government
After the BJP formed the government in 2017, investigations started around these properties and lasted for about four years. SSP Akash Tomar of Saharanpur was instrumental in the initial seizure of properties worth over ₹100 crores. Subsequently, properties worth over ₹500 crores came under the scanner.
Source: aajtak
Gradually, charges of intimidation, illegal possession, illegal mining, and assault were filed against Mohammad Iqbal and his family. Orders were issued for his arrest, and just before he could be captured, Iqbal left India for Dubai in 2022.
Bulldozers have run over several of Iqbal's houses
Acting decisively, the government bulldozed many of Iqbal's properties. More were seized and marked. Iqbal's family found themselves in deep crisis. His sons were arrested by the police and are currently in jail.
The ED has now attached the ₹4440 crore property of the Global University that operates under a trust in his son’s name. District Magistrate of Saharanpur Dr. Dinesh Chandra has stated that action will be taken immediately upon receiving any orders.
