Subrata Roy’s famed Sahara Shahar sealed, taken over by Lucknow civic body

According to officials, the land was originally leased for 30 years in 1995 by the then Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government in Uttar Pradesh to Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd through a lease deed and licence agreement. Citing alleged violations of the agreement’s terms and conditions, the LMC had earlier issued a notice to the company to vacate the premises.

For years, the complex, located in the Vipul Khand area of Gomti Nagar, remained source of fascination for Lucknow residents as they could only get a glimpse of its towering entrance and exit gates, between which stood a statue of Bharat Mata, and the signage “Sahara India Pariwar” emblazoned above. But inside, it remained a mystery enclave accessible only to India’s elite, including politicians, film stars, sportspersons, and business tycoons.

Employees of the Sahara group vacate the property as the Lucknow Municipal Corporation took possession of it after its lease expired, in Lucknow on Monday (ANI Photo)

The complex once hosted grand and star-studded events, often attended by the country’s most influential figures, who were ferried around in battery-operated carts.

At its peak, Sahara Shahar was regarded as a political nerve centre, where key decisions were said to have been made. Among its most extravagant celebrations were the 2004 weddings of Roy’s sons, Sushanto and Seemanto, which stretched over a week. The guest list included then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then Deputy PM L.K. Advani, Mulayam Singh Yadav, actor Amitabh Bachchan, and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, among other celebrities.

Even former U.S. President Bill Clinton is said to have visited Roy at the mansion.

The property began to lose its sheen after Roy’s arrest in 2014 following SEBI’s crackdown on his business group for failing to return investors’ money. The family reportedly spent extended periods abroad thereafter. Roy, who had been ailing for some time, passed away on November 14, 2023.

Recently, Sahara India had approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to sell some of its properties, including Sahara Shahar. The LMC, however, intervened, claiming that the land was not owned by the company but was on lease.

In a statement issued after the sealing drive, the LMC said it had received multiple complaints about violations of the lease terms by the company. A committee reviewed the documents and related court cases, recommending legal and administrative action. Acting on the committee’s advice, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar directed Zonal Officer Sanjay Yadav, Property In-charge Rameshwar Prasad, and the MC Tehsildar to proceed with sealing.

Lucknow Municipal Corporation sealing Sahara Shaher campus in Lucknow on Monday (Express Photo/Vishal Srivastav)

On September 27 and 28, an LMC team from the Property Department had visited the premises and taken symbolic possession of the land. During Monday’s operation, with support from the police and PAC personnel, the team sealed the residential quarters, guesthouses, and all six main gates.

Notice boards were put up inside and outside the complex marking the LMC’s ownership. The corporation said the operation was completed peacefully, with no resistance or disturbance. Employees residing within were allowed to collect personal belongings before vacating.

“The entire 170-acre property has now been taken into full possession of the Municipal Corporation,” the LMC stated.

However, a few residents were seen protesting against the action.

Zonal Officer Sanjay Yadav told The Indian Express that only Sahara India employees had been residing inside. “All of them have vacated, and no one remains on the premises,” he said.

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