Haji Mastan, popularly known as Sultan Mirza, was an organised crime gang leader, originally from Tamil Nadu and based in Bombay.

[1] At his peak, Mastan operated a powerful smuggling syndicate in Mumbai and along the Gujarat coast and later diversified into film financing and real estate business.

[1][2] Very early in his career, Mastan realized the importance of being seen among famous personalities from politics and the film industry as a symbol of power.

Mastan purchased properties at various locations in South Bombay including a sea-facing bungalow at Peddar Road.

[5] Later in life, Mastan did not take a direct role in running his gang, but instead, he depended on right-hand men like Lala and Mudaliar to carry out his smuggling operations and intimidate rivals and debtors.

When Mudaliar died, Mastan hired a private chartered plane to bring his body to Mumbai for the final rites.

After his release from prison, Mastan entered politics and formed a political party in 1980-81 and named it Dalit Muslim Surakhsha Maha Sangh in 1985 which was later renamed as Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh currently led by Sundar Shaekhar[citation needed] Mastan died of cardiac arrest on 25 June 1994.