Attachment of ₹276 crore worth properties of former BSP MLA Haji Iqbal begins in Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh)

Properties allegedly built through intimidation

Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) — The district administration has initiated proceedings to attach 56 properties valued at more than ₹275.97 crore belonging to former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Haji Iqbal alias Bala, who is accused of amassing vast wealth through illegal means. Haji Iqbal is absconding and is suspected to be in Dubai.

₹276 Crore assets linked to former BSP MLC Haji Iqbal (Saharanpur, UP) to be attached

Properties allegedly built through land grabbing & hooliganism.

But where were the police & administration when crores worth of land was encroached? Shouldn’t accountability extend to… pic.twitter.com/FKgRRrfNZo

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 22, 2026

1. Officials state that during hearings in a 2022 case, it surfaced that Iqbal, along with his associates, allegedly ran an organised criminal syndicate.

2. The syndicate is believed to have engaged in timber theft and smuggling from forest areas, illegal mining, and other unlawful activities.

3. Using financial power, the group intimidated people and fraudulently acquired government and private land, consolidating illegal control over large tracts.

4. The properties were reportedly registered not only in Iqbal’s name but also in the names of family members, employees, associates, and shell entities. The money obtained through criminal means has been used for these purchases.

5. Since 1989, at least 52 criminal cases have been registered against him, with 41 still pending in various courts, including charges of forgery, criminal intimidation, robbery, and conspiracies and other serious accusations.

Editorial Perspectives

When crores worth of land and assets were being brazenly grabbed, where were the police and administrative authorities ? Those who turned a blind eye must also be investigated and punished.