Jhansi. The Allahabad High Court has quashed all pending proceedings in Jhansi against Harendra Kumar Masih under the Gangsters Act. The High Court passed the order on September 10 while hearing petition number 20685, bringing to an end the proceedings pending before the Special Judge (Gangsters Act). Following the order, Harendra Masih has approached the District Magistrate seeking the release of his attached properties and bank accounts. Allegations had been made against Masih of accumulating property worth around ₹1,000 crore and attempting to take control of valuable land.
An FIR was registered against Harendra Masih at Nawabad police station on February 7, 2025, under Sections 2/3 of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. After completing the investigation, police filed a charge sheet before the Special Judge (Gangsters Act). Masih subsequently approached the High Court seeking quashing of the entire proceedings pending before the Special Court.
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After hearing the petition, the High Court terminated all proceedings pending before the Special Judge. Following the court’s order, Masih submitted an application to the District Magistrate seeking an end to the property attachment proceedings initiated under the Gangsters Act and requesting the release of properties and bank accounts that had already been attached.
A related case was also pending before the District Magistrate’s court. Proceedings for attachment of properties had been initiated under Section 14(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986. After the High Court quashed the Gangsters Act proceedings, Masih has also sought termination of this case. However, the final decision regarding the release of the attached properties will depend on the relevant judicial proceedings and the action taken by the District Magistrate’s court.
According to Joint Director of Prosecution Ajay Kumar Mishra, the High Court has quashed the cases pending against Harendra Masih before the Special Court under the Gangsters Act as well as the District Magistrate’s court. He said Masih has submitted an application to the District Magistrate seeking the return of the attached property on the basis of the High Court order.
Harendra Masih’s name had also surfaced in an alleged attempt to take control of Nazul land worth around ₹1,000 crore at the Mary and Maryman School compound in the Civil Lines area of Kanpur. In 2024, Kotwali police registered two FIRs in connection with the matter on July 28. One complaint was filed by Lekhpal Vipin Kumar, while the other was lodged by Samuel Gurudev, who was occupying the land.
Police arrested Avnish Dixit on July 29 and sent him to jail. Harendra Masih was also named in both FIRs. In the charge sheet filed by police, Masih was allegedly described as the mastermind of the case. It was alleged that he had previously attempted to take control of the valuable Nazul land. A report had been registered in connection with an earlier attempt, but that case was subsequently closed.
According to police, Masih subsequently executed a power of attorney in favour of Avnish Dixit on April 24, 2024, in connection with the alleged attempt to take control of the Nazul land. He was later arrested by Jhansi police on October 28. The commissionerate police also declared Avnish Dixit, Harendra Masih and 13 others as members of the state’s first inter-range gang, designated IR-1.
Police records indicate that a total of 10 FIRs had been registered against Harendra Masih in Jhansi and Kanpur. Police had also attached land worth crores of rupees in proceedings against him. Following the High Court’s decision to quash the Gangsters Act proceedings, the request to release the attached properties and bank accounts has now reached the District Magistrate. Further action will be determined on the basis of the High Court’s order and the relevant records and legal proceedings.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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