From Fear to Plea: A Story That Shook Mumbai
There was a time when people trembled at the name of Mastan Mirza. Mumbai was under his influence, and his word carried weight across the city’s docks, markets, film circles, and political corridors.
Today, the same city is witnessing a heartbreaking contrast — Haji Mastan Mirza’s daughter, Haseen Mastan Mirza, is seen folding her hands and begging for justice.
Her emotional social media appeal, directly addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, has gone viral and reopened discussions around power, legacy, and delayed justice in India.
Who Was Haji Mastan Mirza?
Haji Mastan Mirza is widely regarded as India’s first underworld don. Rising to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, he built his empire through large-scale smuggling of gold, electronics, and luxury goods, primarily using Mumbai’s docks and shipping routes.
Unlike later gangsters, Mastan’s dominance was based more on economic control than open violence. It is often said that he rarely carried out killings himself, yet his influence was so deep that Mumbai’s system moved at his signal.
By the 1970s and 1980s, he was known as Mumbai’s “Godfather,” a figure whose reach extended into Smuggling networks, Real estate, Bollywood circles, and Politics
Later in life, after spending time in jail during the Emergency, Mastan attempted to rebrand himself as a social reformer, even forming a political party and projecting himself as a voice for the poor and marginalised.
“People Once Trembled Before My Father”
A widely rephrased sentiment circulating online captures the irony of the situation:
“People once trembled before my father, who ruled Mumbai. Today, his daughter is crying with folded hands.”
This line sums up the emotional weight of Haseen Mastan Mirza’s appeal and why the story has struck a chord with the public.
Who Is Haseen Mastan Mirza?
Haseen Mastan Mirza is the daughter of Haji Mastan Mirza and his wife, Sona Mastan Mirza, a former Bollywood actress whose real name was Shahjahan Begum. Sona was often described as resembling legendary actress Madhubala, whom Haji Mastan reportedly admired deeply.
After years of staying away from the public eye, Haseen has now come forward, alleging that she has been:
- Denied her rightful identity
- Deprived of her father’s property
- Exploited and harassed
- Forced into prolonged legal battles without resolution
She claims she has been fighting for justice for several years, but has not seen any meaningful progress.
Why Is Haji Mastan’s Daughter Asking for Help?
In her viral video, Haseen Mastan Mirza makes a direct appeal to PM Modi and HM Amit Shah, stating that she wants justice like any ordinary citizen. She says she turned to social media only after exhausting other options.
According to her claims:
- A person accused by her has allegedly occupied her properties
- She has faced repeated injustice and exploitation
- Court proceedings have been delayed, with the accused allegedly not appearing
She asserts that her father’s name and legacy are being misused, while she herself is left without protection or closure.
These remain allegations and are subject to legal proceedings.
Allegations of Property Grabbing and Exploitation
Haseen has alleged that her properties, including prime real estate in Mumbai, are being unlawfully used by the accused, who continues to enjoy rental income. She has publicly stated that she does not understand how someone she has accused of severe crimes is able to live freely while she waits endlessly for justice.
Her statements have intensified the public debate around property disputes, influence, and delays in the justice system.
“My Entire Life Was Taken Away”
In her emotional appeal, Haseen says that by the time she reached her mid-twenties, everything had been taken away — her identity, her property, her money, and her peace of mind. She describes herself as fighting alone and surviving on hope.
She has urged citizens, media platforms, and authorities to help amplify her voice so that her case is not ignored.
Addressing Questions About Her Birth
Responding to online trolling and speculation, Haseen clarified that:
- Her father was 58 years old at the time of her birth
- Her mother was 29 years old
She has said that hateful comments questioning her legitimacy have deeply affected her and that she is reporting abusive remarks to cyber authorities.
Child Marriage and Trauma: Her Claims
Haseen has also claimed that she was married at a very young age and endured years of abuse. She says her life took a darker turn after Haji Mastan Mirza’s death in 1994, when she was still a child.
According to her, she has three children and has spent much of her life fighting circumstances she never chose.
Demand for Stricter Laws
Beyond her personal case, Haseen’s appeal focuses on the need for stricter laws. She argues that if laws were enforced firmly:
- Crimes like rape would reduce
- Murders could be prevented
- Property grabbing would not be so easy
- Victims would not have to beg for justice
Her message is framed not only as a daughter’s cry but also as a broader demand for systemic reform.
Why This Story Has Captured National Attention
The story has gone viral because it reflects a powerful contrast:
- A man who once controlled Mumbai’s underworld
- A daughter who now struggles for basic justice
It raises uncomfortable questions about power, legacy, gender, and delayed justice, and why victims sometimes feel compelled to seek help directly from the highest offices in the country.
The Irony of a Don’s Legacy
Haji Mastan Mirza once ruled Mumbai with unmatched influence. Decades later, his daughter’s struggle highlights a harsh reality — power does not always protect the next generation.
Haseen Mastan Mirza says she will continue fighting for her rights for as long as she lives, insisting that justice should not depend on influence, fear, or legacy.
Final Thoughts
Once, Mumbai bowed before Haji Mastan Mirza’s authority. Today, his daughter stands before the nation, asking to be heard. Whether the courts ultimately rule in her favour or not, Haseen Mastan Mirza’s plea has already exposed the human cost of delayed justice.
Her story is no longer just about the underworld — it is about a woman’s fight to reclaim her identity, dignity, and faith in the law.
