Noted film financier Yusuf Lakdawala, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate and lodged in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, died on Thursday. West Zone DIG, Yogesh Desai said that Lakdawala was suffering from cancer and was admitted to the jail hospital on September 6.
The Mumbai builder, who was arrested by the ED in a land grab case, was referred to JJ Hospital on Wednesday morning after his condition deteriorated and his accidental death report was registered. Police said they were informed about Lakdawala’s death on Thursday afternoon, adding that there was no foul play behind his demise.
Why was the arrest made?
Yusuf was arrested for grabbing land worth Rs 50 crore. An FIR was registered against Yusuf in 2019 by the Crime Branch of Mumbai Police in connection with the forgery of land worth Rs 50 crore in Khandala, Pune.
Fake documents were made of land
The 4.4 acres of land is known to belong to the family of the then Nawab of Hyderabad, Himayat Nawaz Jung Bahadur. According to the police investigation, Lakdawala along with government officials got the fake land papers made in which it was written that the land was bought by Lakdawala’s father in 1949 and later it was in his name. Not only this, Lakdawala also had many dummy or shell companies.
Yusuf Lakdawala’s Early Life
In May 2003, there were rumours of his death. However, the rumours were rendered false after he was seen in Canada. In May 2004, he was arrested in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police following an Interpol Red Corner notice for him. More than 20 cases of extortion, attempt to murder and rioting were involved against Lakdawala.
