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Enemy Properties
In the heart of India’s bustling tech capital, Bengaluru, a slice of history is making headlines once again.
As of November 12, 2025, the Government of India is gearing up to auction several “enemy properties”, assets left behind by individuals who migrated to Pakistan during the 1947 partition.
These properties, now classified under the Enemy Property Act of 1968, are prime real estate in the city’s core, valued at hundreds to thousands of crores.
Drawing from recent news reports, official surveys, and updates from the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), this blog post dives into what these properties are, their current status, and what the auctions could mean for the city and the nation.
The Historical Context: From Partition To Enemy Properties
The story begins with the tumultuous partition of India in 1947, when millions crossed borders amid the creation of Pakistan.
Many who left for what they believed was a “paradise” in the new nation abandoned substantial assets in India.
Under the Enemy Property Act, these were seized by the Indian government as “enemy” assets, especially after the Indo-Pak wars.
Today, these include lands, buildings, and even operational businesses like hotels.
In Karnataka alone, there are 24 such properties, with six prime ones in Bengaluru estimated at around ₹500 crore collectively.
Recent developments, as highlighted in the media from November 2025, indicate that the district administration has completed valuations, and auctions could kick off this month.
The process is overseen by the Deputy Commissioner as ex officio custodian, with reports already sent to the central government.
The goal?
Monetize these assets to generate revenue, potentially up to ₹2,000 crore from Bengaluru’s four key properties alone, while ensuring they serve public or economic interests.
Key Enemy Properties In Bengaluru: Locations And Details
Bengaluru’s enemy properties are nestled in prestigious areas like Raj Bhavan Road, Victoria Road, and Vittal Mallya Road.
These are not just vacant lots; some house iconic establishments.
Based on CEPI surveys and the news transcript, here is a breakdown:
| Owner | Location | Details | Estimated | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryam Mirza Khalili (Mirza family) | Raj Bhavan Road (two properties, including Capital Hotel and Parag Hotel) | High-value commercial sites near government buildings; Capital Hotel spans 23,000 sq ft and operates as The Capitol. Parag Hotel is another active venue. | ~₹300 crore for these two; part of overall ₹2,000 crore for Bengaluru properties. | Valuations complete; auction preparations underway, potentially starting November 2025. Legal challenges resolved in the government’s favor. |
| Josephine Rajamma Xavier (or James Dias Xavier) | Victoria Road (two properties) | Prime residential/commercial plots in central Bengaluru. | Not individually specified; contributes to collective valuation. | Under review; preparatory for auction. |
| Syed Abdul Shukkur | 2nd Main Road, Kalasipalya | Urban commercial property in a bustling area. | Not specified. | Valuation ongoing; no immediate auction date. |
| Michael Thom (or Tham) | Vittal Mallya Road | Upscale commercial district plot, near landmarks like UB City. | Not specified. | Identified since 2020; 2025 valuations in progress. |
| GV John | Central Bengaluru (details unspecified) | Key property mentioned in reports. | Part of the four main high-value assets. | Valuations done; auction imminent. |
| Yasmin Ban | UB City area or similar | High-value site worth thousands of crores, as per transcript. | Thousands of crores. | District administration is reviewing for auction. |
These properties highlight the partition’s lasting impact.
For instance, the Mirza family’s holdings on Raj Bhavan Road include well-known hotels that have been transferred to government oversight.
Similarly, properties on Victoria Road offer a glimpse into quieter, yet valuable, residential zones.
Moreover, on Vittal Mallya Road, the commercial vibe is electric, with proximity to modern hubs like UB City amplifying their worth.
Auction Process: What Is Happening Now?
As per the latest updates, no Bengaluru properties are in the current CEPI e-auctions (like the 11th on November 17 or the 12th on December 2, 2025, which focus on other states).
However, the news suggests momentum: Valuations are finalized, documents compiled, and the central government is deciding between public use (e.g., government offices) or open auctions via the MSTC e-commerce portal.
If auctioned, they will be open to Indian citizens and entities, with reserve prices based on market valuations.
The revenue will bolster state and central coffers, potentially shared between them.
This is not new; earlier plans from 2020 aimed at 21 Karnataka properties, but progress has accelerated in 2025 amid broader national efforts.
For those interested, monitor the CEPI website (enemyproperty.mha.gov.in) or MSTC for listings, including survey numbers, sizes, and coordinates.
Due diligence is key, given potential legal complexities.
Implications And Opportunities
These auctions represent more than real estate deals; they are a step toward resolving historical loose ends while injecting funds into infrastructure and development.
For Bengaluru, it could mean revitalizing prime spots, attracting investors, and easing urban pressures.
Entrepreneurs and businesses eyeing expansion have a unique chance here.
However, it is a reminder of the partition’s human cost, families divided, assets frozen.
As the government moves forward, balancing revenue with sensitivity will be crucial.
Stay tuned for updates; with auctions possibly starting soon, Bengaluru’s real estate scene is about to get even more dynamic.
If you are a potential bidder, consult the authorities and prepare for what could be landmark sales.
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