Who leads Bhopal’s most notorious ‘Irani Dera’?:Raju Irani, once a small-time offender, now power centre of a gang that operates across 12 states

The Irani Dera of Aman Colony in Bhopal is at the centre of a vast criminal network that operated across 12 states, posing as fake sales tax, customs, CBI and police officers. Run like a cartel, the gang planned robberies and frauds with military precision, distributed loot through a central command, and protected arrested members through an internal support system. Police raids, encounters and fresh arrests have now exposed how the Dera functioned and how its links reached Dubai. Crimes planned from Aman Colony Operations were planned inside the Irani Dera. Teams were formed and sent to other states for weeks or months. Members impersonated government officers and conducted fake raids, similar to the film Special 26. When arrested, they never revealed associates’ names. Loot collected by the Dera chief All stolen money was handed to the Sardar, the Dera’s chief. The Sardar decided each member’s share. He also arranged bail, legal help and financial support for families when members were jailed. Criminal record decides leadership The Sardar was chosen by the Dera’s panchayat. Leadership depended on criminal history. More serious cases meant greater authority within the group. The Aman Colony Irani Dera is led by brothers Raju Irani and Zakir Irani. Despite repeated police efforts, Raju Irani remains absconding. During a raid on 28 December, chaos broke out and he escaped once again. Active network in 12 states Police investigations revealed the Dera’s presence in around 12 states. Major cases were reported from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Delhi Police also traced multiple crimes to the group. Maharashtra and Rajasthan Police had been searching for Raju Irani for years. Crores in property, educated children Raju Irani owns property worth several crores of rupees, despite the Dera being just 12 years old. His children are well educated. One daughter has completed a BDS degree, unlike most children in the settlement. ‘Journey’ meant crime missions When members left the Dera for crimes, it was called going on a “journey”. Teams stayed away for months. Two members always travelled only to transport stolen goods back safely. They used luxury cars and high-end bikes for long-distance travel. Family links strengthened the gang Many members were related by blood or marriage. These family ties connected the Dera to Maharashtra and Rajasthan, allowing fearless operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Aman Colony violence put dera in spotlight The Irani Dera first came into public focus in 2014. Over 30 Shia Iranian families settled in Aman Colony and planned an Imambara near Aftab Mosque. Sunni residents opposed the move. Clashes led to firing, stone-pelting and arson in 39 houses. Dozens were injured. Attack on policeman Three years ago, Salik, a Dera member, attacked a Nishatpura police officer with a knife. The incident reinforced police concerns about the group’s violence. Delhi encounter exposed gang reach In July, Delhi Police arrested Murtaza Ali alias Damar (38) and Siraj Ali (40) after an encounter near Indraprastha Park. The accused fired at police and were injured in retaliation. Both had serious cases across several states. Fake CBI raid in Sagar In November 2020, four Dera members posed as CBI officers in Khurai, Sagar district. They looted jewellery at gunpoint. When police tried to arrest them in Aman Colony, residents threw chilli powder and stones. Twelve policemen were injured, and police had to retreat. Mobile snatching reveals Dubai link On 20 December 2025, two youths snatched a mobile phone near Rani Kamlapati Railway Station. They were caught after a road accident. The accused, Ali Hasan (19) and Mohd. Ali (19), were Dera residents. They admitted stolen phones were routed via Mumbai to Dubai. Mass arrests from Irani Dera After the latest police action, 24 men and 10 women were arrested from the Irani Dera. Police say investigations into financial trails and interstate links are ongoing.