Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a massive crackdown on criminal network operated by infamous ‘Machhli’ family, joint teams from district administration, Nagar Nigam and police demolished at least six illegal structures worth nearly ₹100 crore on Wednesday. The action took place at Anantpura Kokta, where sprawling constructions were found on over 50 acres of encroached government land.
The properties belonged to DJ Yaseen, his uncles Shahwar and Shariq Machhli, and other family members. Among structures razed were a luxury farmhouse, villa, warehouse, factory and even an unauthorised madrasa. Authorities said that these properties were not only illegally built but also served as bases for operations involving drugs, firearms and sexual exploitation of women and minors.
The demolition drive began early in the morning under the supervision of SDM Vinok Sonakia, who was accompanied by a large police force. Around 15 JCB machines were deployed to bring down the structures. The drive, which continued into evening, was described as part of a broader mission to dismantle financial roots of criminal syndicates and send a strong message against land mafia operations.
The family, long associated with fish trade, allegedly used political connections to build an empire through illegal land grabbing, drug trafficking and extortion.
Additional DCP Shailendra Singh Chauhan said that with arrests of Yaseen and Shahwar, police recovered objectionable videos, including clips of sexual assault and criminal intimidation, that may provide further insight into the scale of criminal operations.
Properties demolished
A farmhouse belonging to Shakeel Ahmad, son of Sharif Ahmad, located on Khasra No. 55, was found illegally constructed on government land. A 40,000 square feet warehouse owned by Shariq, also son of Sharif Ahmad, was demolished for similar violations. Another illegal property named Suman Farm, owned by Shakeel Ahmad, was also brought down.
A factory operated by Irshad Ahmad, son of Sarfaraz Mohammad Khan, was found on encroached land and razed. An unauthorised madrasa built by Ata-ul-Rehman, son of Mufti Rais Ahmad Khan, was included in the demolition. The most prominent structure was a three-storey mansion owned by Shariq Ahmad, alias Machhli, Sohail Ahmad, and Shafiq Ahmad, all sons of Sharif Ahmad.
Lavish lifestyle uncovered
Despite being illegal, the demolished structures reflected a high level of luxury. The farmhouses and villas were equipped with private swimming pools, high-tech security systems with CCTV cameras, RCC internal roads, solar-powered street lights and even palm-lined gardens. Officials said that these amenities showcased the extent of wealth amassed through criminal means.
Key digital evidence seized
During the operation, police seized computer hard disks and CCTV DVRs from the farmhouse of Shariq Machhli. Officials believe that the digital footage may contain vital clues about drug trade, weapons circulation and instances of sexual exploitation.
Police said that some of the recovered videos were shot without consent and depicted acts of violence, threats and extortion. The data is currently being analysed and may lead to more arrests in coming days.
