No takers for Dawood’s buildings

He however said that the IT department had one year at their disposal, within which they could dispose off the property through an auction. He refused to comment on the action thereafter in case of a no-buyer scenario.

The auction was held for only 11 of Dawood’s illegal properties which the Mumbai police had confiscated after confirming Dawood’s role in the 1992-93 bomb blasts and riots that had rocked the city. Though the IT authorities quote the total number of Dawood’s properties which will come under the hammer at 23, intelligence sources say there are 43 such buildings. These are directly or indirectly owned by the mafia king. The cumulative worth of these 11 properties meanwhile was quoted at Rs 5 crore by the IT authorities.

The intending bidders, if any, would have had to pay a refundable caution deposit of Rs 25,000 for participating in the auction. According to the rules, the successful bidder would have to pay the earnest money amount of Rs 50,000 immediately to the department’s representative. While 25 per cent of the balance amount would have to be paid the next day, the remaining sum could be paid within a fortnight from the date of sale of the property.

A brochure by the IT department said that the “sale proceeds will be adjusted against the arrears due from Mr. D I Kaskar.” The IT arrears due from the don meanwhile stands at Rs 45 crore. Addnl IT Commissioner Ashraf also said that all the 11 realties were occupied. Replying to queries on whether the buyers would be provided police protection, he replied in the affirmative.

Replying to a question on the position of the tenants currently staying in these properties, he said, “the tenants will remain there.”

The only “prospective bidder” present at the hotel was Indian-based South African businessman Usman Ghani Muqaddam but he too was not allowed since he had not brought the quotient money (Rs 25,000).

The IT officials however tried to put up a brave front after this fiasco, saying,“this is a normal and routine procedure.” Asked if they were disappointed, Ashraf said, “We are neither dejected nor happy. It’s our job.”

1 Parker Mansion 9, Nagpada — Rs 120 lakhs
2 Mohammedbhai Manssion, Mazgaon — Rs 105 lakhs
3 Rajgara Mansion, Bibijai Street — Rs 66 lakhs
4 Garib Nagar, Nagpada — Rs 55 lakhs
5.99/101,Ghaswala,Temkar Street — Rs 40 lakhs
6.Damarwala Building, Yakub Street — Rs 35 lakhs
7.24, Yakub Street — Rs.35 lakhs
8.22,Temkar Street — Rs.28 lakhs
9.Raunak Afros Hotel,4 Pakmodia Street — Rs.6 lakhs
10.Industrial Gala, Jairajbhai Lane — Rs.2.5 lakhs
11.Umera Engineering Works,Jairajbhai Lane — Rs.2 lakhs