In Uttar Pradesh, the crackdown on mafia don Atiq Ahmed’s empire continues, even after his death in April 2023. Recent reports reveal that his relatives and henchmen have been illegally building on government lands previously seized from Atiq’s network. On June 25, 2025, an X post, highlighted a case in Prayagraj where Atiq’s associates, including his brother-in-law’s brother Imran Janu, constructed buildings on confiscated plots. The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) and police are now taking action, filing cases and planning to demolish illegal structures. This comes as part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s mission to dismantle mafia networks and repurpose their lands for public good, like housing for the poor.
Illegal Constructions by Atiq’s Network
After Atiq Ahmed’s death, his relatives and henchmen reportedly are continuing his legacy of grabbing government land. In areas like Bhiti Uparhar and Kareli in Prayagraj, Imran Janu and others, including JP Dubey, have been linked to illegal plotting and construction on confiscated lands. The PDA filed eight FIRs on June 16, 2025, targeting these activities. Atiq’s network had amassed properties worth over ₹1684 crore, often registered under henchmen or servants to dodge scrutiny. Despite demolitions and seizures, these associates are attempting to reclaim freed lands, prompting a renewed crackdown. The administration is determined to stop this, with police and authorities actively bulldozing illegal structures.
Key Areas Targeted
The illegal constructions were spotted in Bhiti Uparhar, Gauspur Kathula, and Ainuddinpur in Kareli. Imran Janu and others allegedly set up pillars and demarcations to sell plots. Police are investigating these sites, collaborating with the PDA and Revenue Department to identify and demolish unauthorized buildings, ensuring the land remains for public use.
Scale of Atiq’s Empire
Atiq’s criminal network controlled properties worth millions, with 70% registered under associates like laborers or domestic help. Since 2018, authorities have seized or demolished assets worth ₹1,600 crore, including 58 properties in Prayagraj and Kaushambi. The recent surge in illegal constructions shows the persistence of Atiq’s gang, even after his death.
Government’s Response and Public Projects
The Yogi Adityanath government has taken a hard stance against mafia activities, freeing over 1.5 lakh acres of land worth ₹1,850 crore. In Prayagraj, 76 flats were built on Atiq’s confiscated land in Lukerganj under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and handed over to the poor in June 2023. The PDA is now intensifying vigilance, lodging 70 FIRs against land grabbers in 2025 alone. Recent illegal constructions by Atiq’s kin have led to new demolitions and legal actions under the Gangster Act. The government’s goal is clear: reclaim mafia-held lands and use them for public welfare, sending a strong message against organized crime.
Housing for the Poor
In a symbolic move, CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated 76 PMAY flats on Atiq’s seized land in 2023. These flats, built on a 1,731-square-meter plot, house low-income families, showing how mafia lands are being repurposed. A lottery system ensured fair allocation, with 903 eligible applicants out of 6,030.
Ongoing Crackdown
Since Atiq’s death, the administration has demolished 10 properties in Chakia, including his ancestral home and brother-in-law’s mansion. Recent FIRs target Imran Janu and others for fresh encroachments. Police are also hunting Atiq’s wife Shaista Parveen and henchmen like Guddu Muslim, with rewards offered for their capture.
Latest Developments
Police recently lodged a case against Imran Janu and JP Dubey for illegal plotting near Bharat Gas Godown. Bulldozers are active in Bhiti Uparhar, razing unauthorized structures.
What’s Next
The PDA plans to expand inspections to neighboring districts like Kaushambi, targeting Atiq’s benami properties. CM Yogi’s team is pushing for more PMAY projects on freed lands, aiming to benefit thousands of families. The police are also tightening surveillance to prevent further encroachments by Atiq’s gang.
