Who was Kareem Bhai Ibrahim? Man who gave land for orphanage where Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani’s Antilia stands now, Ambanis bought land in…, price was Rs…
New Delhi: From its film city to old Parsi and colonial houses, beaches, museums, and classical architecture, Mumbai is a goldmine for heritage and cultural exploration. Known as the city of dreams, this nickname reflects its vibrant and diverse culture, rich history, and the many opportunities it offers, attracting people from all over India and the world. Mumbai is also home to many architectural marvels. Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia is one of them. The 15000 crore super luxurious building stands out not only for its opulence but also for the controversies that surround it.
Valued at a staggering USD 4.6 billion in 2023, this private residence is owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his family. Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, Antilia is more than just a house—it’s a spectacle, an architectural wonder, and a symbol of the Ambani family’s immense wealth.
What if we told you that this 27-story skyscraper, owned by Reliance Industries boss, a towering symbol of luxury, was built on land originally designated for charity and religious education? Yes, the very land that now hosts one of the wealthiest men in the world was once meant for the orphaned and underprivileged, as per AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi ‘s viral video.
Antilia stands on a Waqf property?
The land on which Antilia stands has a history as dramatic as any courtroom thriller. Originally, it wasn’t meant for luxury at all—it was intended for charity. Back in 1895, a wealthy shipowner named Kareem Bhai Ibrahim donated the land to establish an orphanage called the Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Yateemkhana. The orphanage was set up to offer shelter and education to orphaned children, with a strong emphasis on religious and moral values.
By 1986, this property was reportedly transferred to a trust under the Waqf Board, a charitable institution responsible for managing Muslim religious endowments. The land, thus, was meant to benefit the public by housing orphaned children and providing them with education.
It was in the year 2002, the Waqf Board decided to sell the land. But here’s where things get murky. The land, once valued at approximately USD 18 million, was sold to a commercial entity associated with Mukesh Ambani’s family for just USD 2.5 million.
The Waqf Board, along with several local politicians, initially opposed the sale, arguing that the land should not be sold to a private party, especially at such a low price. But despite these objections, the sale was eventually approved, and the construction of Antilia began.
Who is Kareem Bhai?
- Kareembhai Ibrahim is a wealthy shipowner.
- The 4,532-square-metre (1.120-acre) land on which Antilia stands housed an orphanage called Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Yateemkhana (Kareembhai Ibrahim Khwaja Orphanage)
- Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Yateemkhana belongs to a charity run by the waqf board.
- The orphanage had been founded in 1895 by Currimbhoy Ebrahim, a wealthy shipowner.
- In 2002, the trust requested permission to sell this land, and the charity commissioner gave the required permission three months later.
- The charity sold the land allocated for the purpose of education of underprivileged Khoja children to Antilia Commercial Private Limited, a commercial entity controlled by Mukesh Ambani, in July 2002 for ₹210.5 million (US$2.5 million)
- The prevailing market value of the land at the time was at least ₹1.5 billion (US$18 million).
News