The Prayagraj district administration will initiate a large-scale survey of nearly 100 bighas of land seized from slain mafioso Atiq Ahmed, following repeated reports of illegal plotting and sale of the land by members of his alleged network.
Joint Team to Conduct Verification
A joint team comprising police and revenue officials will soon begin verification of the land spread across Dhoomanganj, Pura Mufti, and Airport police station areas. According to administrative officials, the properties belonging to Atiq and his associates were attached under the Gangsters Act in 2020. However, despite government seizure, land mafias and alleged members of the gang have continued illegal plotting and unauthorised sale of these lands.
Recent Illegal Activities
In recent months, several First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in Airport, Pura Mufti, and Dhoomanganj police stations regarding such illegal activities. SDM Sadar, Abhishek Kumar Singh, stated that work is progressing rapidly to update records of seized properties in revenue documents. So far, details of nearly 25 percent of the land have been uploaded online, while the remaining records will be digitised soon to prevent illegal sales.
Meanwhile, ACP Dhoomanganj, Ajendra Yadav, said monitoring of government-controlled land has been intensified. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in illegal plotting or sale of seized properties.
Previous Reports and Incidents
Officials noted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report prepared last year by seven departments revealed the existence of an active network involved in illegal encroachment and plotting on confiscated land. In December 2025, a case surfaced under Dhoomanganj where seized land was allegedly plotted and sold illegally, and even government notice boards installed at the site were removed. An FIR was later lodged at Airport police station. Earlier this year, another attempt to illegally plot and sell seized land was reported from the Pura Mufti area.
Objective of the Renewed Survey
The renewed survey aims to tighten administrative control over the confiscated properties and prevent further illegal occupation or sale. By digitising records and intensifying monitoring, authorities hope to curb the activities of land mafias and ensure that seized assets remain under government control.
