1993 Mumbai Bomb Blasts: Special Court Orders Release of 14 Properties of Tiger Memon to Government

14 properties connected to Tiger Memon, one of the alleged masterminds of the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings, and his family must be turned over to the central government, according to a Mumbai special court's ruling. The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court issued an order in 1994 that placed the properties, which were spread across Mumbai, in the receiver's custody of the Bombay High Court. A flat in Bandra (West), an office and an open plot in Mahim, a vacant plot and an apartment in Santacruz (East), two apartments in a building in Kurla, an office on Mohammed Ali Road, a shop and plot in Dongri, three stores in Manish Market and a building on Sheikh Memon Street, Mumbai, are among the properties listed.

The Competent Authority, SAFEMA/NDPS, submitted a plea seeking the release of these properties under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, also known as the SAFEM (FOP) Act. The decision by Special Judge VD Kedar came in response to that request. According to the PTI report, special TADA court judge V D Kedar said in a ruling dated March 26 that "the possession of the immovable properties needs to be handed over to the central government." By confirming that the properties forfeited to the Centre are "free from encumbrances," the court permitted the government's competent authority to take possession of these assets.

Tiger Memon and his family were notified by the court about the request from the appropriate authority, according to PTI reports, but no answer was received from them. The special court determined that the 1994 attachment order needed to be revoked after examining the relevant documentation. The special court noted throughout the hearing that the handover was neither opposed by the Maharashtra government nor the CBI.

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In addition, the court receiver's office has asked for permission to seize the properties and carry out its duties, provided that Rs 8 lakh in administrative fees be paid.

One of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Indian history, the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts claimed 257 lives and injured over 700 more. Tiger Memon and Mohammed Dossa were allegedly instrumental in the attacks, which were purportedly planned by Dawood Ibrahim. According to reports, ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency, was involved in the bombings' planning. Tiger Memon is thought to be hiding in Pakistan with his family after the Maharashtra government branded him an absconder on May 17, 1993. After returning to India, his brother Yakub Memon was found guilty of his involvement in the attacks and hanged in 2015. Many members of the extended family still live in India, some of whom were found guilty by the TADA court.