Mumbai Police Demolish Alleged Drug Lord's Residence and Gym in Vikhroli
The Mumbai Police have taken decisive action against alleged narcotics trafficker Yaseen Qureshi, also known as Tasu (48), by demolishing his residence and a high-end gymnasium in Vikhroli. Authorities have also ordered his externment from the city limits, citing his persistent involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal activities that have plagued the region.
Externment Order and Criminal History
Yaseen Qureshi, a resident of Tagore Nagar in Vikhroli, has been externed from Mumbai for a period of 18 months, effective from March this year. This action places him among approximately 50 criminals in the eastern region who have been similarly barred from the city. Police records indicate that Tasu has multiple criminal cases registered against him spanning from 2014 to 2026, with several charges under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Hemraj Rajput stated, "Our investigation revealed that he had constructed a ground plus three-storey structure entirely from the proceeds of crime, and it was completely illegal. We coordinated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to ensure its demolition."
Demolition of Illegal Properties
Acting on police intelligence, civic officials alongside law enforcement personnel conducted a demolition drive, razing portions of the structure identified as unauthorized and directly linked to criminal proceeds. The premises, which included a luxurious gym, were allegedly built using money generated from drug trafficking. Police officials emphasized that Qureshi had transformed his residence into a hub for illicit operations, significantly impacting community safety.
An official involved in the operation explained, "Our investigations demonstrated that he was actively engaged in distributing narcotic substances across various parts of Mumbai, particularly targeting vulnerable youth. After externing him, we identified properties acquired through crime proceeds and, following discussions with the Police Commissioner, BMC, and MHADA officials, supervised the demolition of his illegal residence and gym."
Broader Strategy Against Narcotics Trade
DCP Rajput highlighted that this action is part of a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the infrastructure supporting the narcotics trade in Mumbai. "The accused continued his illegal activities despite repeated warnings and legal actions. His externment has been ordered to prevent further harm to society," he asserted. The externment order prohibits Qureshi from entering Mumbai and adjoining districts for the specified duration, aiming to disrupt his criminal network.
Police sources added that this move is intended to send a strong message to drug offenders: illegal gains will not only result in arrest but also lead to the loss of assets and displacement from their areas of influence. This proactive approach underscores the authorities' commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and safeguarding public welfare.
