Once a powerful name during the BSP government in Uttar Pradesh, Haji Iqbal's name was synonymous with enrichment. His blessing turned many connected to him into millionaires through the mining business. Now his amassed wealth from criminal activities is under scrutiny. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth 4440 crores linked to Haji Iqbal, who has had assets worth billions seized previously. He currently has over 40 cases registered against him.
In the realms of the SP and BSP governments, Mohammad Iqbal, aka Haji Iqbal, aka Bala, was the largest mining mafioso in Western Uttar Pradesh. He had spread a multi-crore illegal mining business, accumulating wealth unlawfully.
In May 2022, Saharanpur police seized 123 properties worth one hundred and seven crores under the Gangster Act, affiliated with Haji Iqbal's close associates. Investigations revealed that Mohammad Iqbal and his gang had 123 properties to their names, amounting to Rs. 36 crores 40 lakhs thirteen thousand one hundred thirty.
The seized properties were located along highways with valuable orchards on them, thus, skyrocketing their market value to approximately one hundred and six crores ninety-three lakhs four thousand one hundred eighty.
Previous Governments Shied Away from Taking Action!
UP has witnessed Haji Iqbal as a mining mafioso whom governments hesitated to confront. His significant role in the mining business to purchasing sugar mills at throwaway prices during the BSP government fortified his billons-worth empire. In May 2022, Saharanpur police had taken action against this very property.
Action by ED in 2021, Attachment of Properties Worth 1097 Crores
In March 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) acted against former MLC Mohammad Iqbal in the UP sugar mill scam. During this period, the ED attached properties worth over a thousand crores. The ED's team from Lucknow Zone had executed these actions concerning allegations from the tenure of then chief minister Mayawati.
It was during 2010-2011 that about 11 sugar mills were sold off at scanty prices in UP. The deal allegedly cost the state and central government a loss of Rs. 1,179 crore.
The ruling period of Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh from 2007-2012 was linked to the attachment of properties worth 1097 crore associated with BSP's former MLC Mohammad Iqbal and his family.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had written to the central government seeking a CBI investigation in this case. Consequently, CBI commenced a probe, which provided a foundation for the ED to register a money laundering case.
Acquired 7 Sugar Mills Through Shell Companies
The investigations revealed that Namrata Marketing Pvt. Ltd. and Girisho Company Pvt. Ltd., under the control of Mo. Iqbal, were shell companies. Former MLC Haji Iqbal and family members participated in the bidding process for the disinvestment of UP government sugar mills in 2010-11.
Through various shell companies, they acquired 7 sugar mills. Directors of these shell companies and fraudulent transactions came to light during the investigation. These sugar mills were located in Barabanki, Deoria, Kushinagar, and Bareilly.
Haji Iqbal and his family bid through companies like Girisho Company Pvt. Ltd. and Namrata Marketing Pvt. Ltd. to acquire companies such as Ablaze Sugar Mills Pvt. Ltd., Adarsh Sugar Pvt. Ltd., Agile Sugar India Pvt. Ltd., Econ Sugar Mills Pvt. Ltd., Majesty Sugar Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Mastiff Sugar Solution Pvt. Ltd., and Okra Sugars Pvt. Ltd.
Seizure Action by Saharanpur Police
In May 2022, Saharanpur police took a seizure action against Haji Iqbal. The joint team of the police and revenue department seized 50 properties worth 21 crores speculated as benami.
Police registered a case under the Gangster Act against Haji Iqbal and six of his associates on 9th April 2022. The cases involved heavy timber smuggling from the jungle, businesses linked to illegal mining, and intimidation to fraudulently seize government and private lands.
