₹29 Lakh Fraud: Broker Arrested in Dahisar Flat Scam Involving
₹29 Lakh Fraud: A real estate fraud case has surfaced in Mumbai’s Dahisar area, where a broker has been arrested for allegedly cheating a chartered accountant of nearly ₹29 lakh through a fake flat sale advertisement. The incident highlights the growing risks associated with online property listings and the importance of thorough verification before making financial commitments. Police investigations have revealed that the accused used forged documents and false ownership claims to execute the scam, leaving the victim with significant financial loss.
Background of the Dahisar Flat Fraud Case
The case came to light after a complaint was filed by Hitesh Gondvilya, a chartered accountant residing in Dahisar. Gondvilya, who was living in a rented apartment, was actively searching for a residential property as an investment. During this search, he came across an online advertisement offering a flat for sale in the Rawalpada area of Dahisar. The listed price of the property was ₹1.05 crore, which appeared reasonable based on market trends, prompting him to make further inquiries.
Fake Online Property Advertisement and Initial Contact
According to the police, the advertisement was strategically placed on a property listing website to attract genuine buyers. Gondvilya contacted the mobile number mentioned in the advertisement and was soon approached by an individual named Aditya, who presented himself as a property agent. Aditya provided convincing details about the flat, including its location at Gavde Nagar, N.L. Krishna Society, Rawalpada, and arranged a site visit to build trust.
Site Visit and Introduction to the Accused
On August 23, 2025, Gondvilya visited the flat along with his father, Mansukh Gondvilya. After inspecting the property, they found it suitable and expressed interest in proceeding with the purchase. At this stage, Aditya introduced Gondvilya to Deepak Shah and Rajesh Jain. Shah was introduced as the broker managing the deal, while Jain was projected as the legal owner of the flat. The trio appeared coordinated and confident, which further reassured the complainant.
Financial Transactions and Payment Details
Following discussions, Gondvilya agreed to finance the purchase by arranging a home loan of ₹80 lakh and paying the remaining amount upfront. Trusting the representations made by the accused, he transferred ₹29.55 lakh to them as part of the transaction. Receipts and documents were shared, which appeared authentic at first glance, reinforcing the belief that the deal was legitimate.
Delays in Registration and Growing Suspicion
Problems arose when it came time to register the flat. The accused began avoiding Gondvilya’s calls and meetings, citing various excuses such as documentation delays and administrative issues. The repeated postponement of registration raised red flags, prompting Gondvilya to independently verify the property details to ensure there were no legal complications.
Discovery of Forged Documents and False Ownership
During verification at the tehsil office, Gondvilya made a shocking discovery. Official records revealed that the flat was owned by a completely different individual and not Rajesh Jain, as claimed by the accused. Further scrutiny suggested that the documents provided to Gondvilya had been forged, with the original owner’s photograph replaced to falsely establish ownership. This confirmed that the entire transaction was a well-planned property scam.
Police Complaint and Legal Action
After uncovering the fraud, Gondvilya immediately approached the Dahisar Police and lodged a formal complaint. Based on his statement and supporting evidence, the police registered a case for cheating and forgery. Investigations revealed that Deepak Shah was already in judicial custody in another case involving a similar modus operandi, strengthening suspicions of a larger real estate fraud network.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Police have arrested Deepak Shah in connection with this case, while the other two accused, Aditya and Rajesh Jain, are currently absconding. Search operations are underway to trace and apprehend them. Authorities believe that the accused may have used the same method to target other potential buyers, and further inquiries are being conducted to identify additional victims.
Lessons for Property Buyers
This case serves as a cautionary tale for property buyers, especially those relying on online listings. It underscores the importance of verifying ownership records, consulting legal experts, and avoiding large upfront payments without proper registration. Law enforcement officials have advised citizens to conduct due diligence and report suspicious property deals promptly to prevent financial fraud.