CNN-IBN

Mumbai, Jul 25: Sara-Sahara mall, a shopping centre in Mumbai, allegedly owned by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, received demolition orders by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

While, the Mumbai police officials started the process of vacating the shops moving goods out of the mall on Monday night, demolition was deferred due to lack of adequate security on Tuesday.

"The shopkeepers are co-operating with us. However, if they create trouble, we are prepared," said Mumbai Police official PI Doiphode.

The shopkeepers say they had no knowledge about the mall being an illegal property or its connection with Dawood Ibrahim. Many fear they will run into huge losses, left with no shops to run their businesses.

"Where were these guys seven years ago? How can our shops be declared illegal overnight? " Shopkeeper Mohd Salim said.

While the shopkeepers began vacating the premises Monday evening, emptying store shelves, racks and glass showcases, local police kept a close watch.

"There are several shops here that employ thousands of people. They have all lost their livelihood. The BMC and the government should have thought about this," said shopkeeper Jayantibhai Purohit.

The shopping centre built on Public Land is just one of the many illegal structures allegedly owned by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbai.

Shaikh Raees Ahmed, owner of electronic goods store ‘Sara Electronics’ purchased by him six years ago at the Sara Sahara mall said, "I have to obey the court's however it is shocking to know this property being illegal after so many years."