Mumbai crime: Malad project builder booked for duping buyers of Rs 13.5 crore

Complainant, whose family has booked six flats at Atharva Landmark, says two of their apartments have been sold to other people; builder blames partner

The Dindoshi police have booked five people, including the owner of Atharva Realtors, on the charge of cheating buyers of Rs 13.5 crore. The FIR of January 27 came on a complaint by a CA whose family members had booked six flats at a Malad East project by the builder for Rs 4.8 crore a decade ago.

In his complaint, Jagdish Rajpopat, said they had booked flats 402, 803, 804, 904, 1102, and 1204, and 7 parking slots at the Atharva Landmark on Poddar Road. Developer Deepak Shah, his partner Shrenik Jain, and their manager Vikas Kumar are among those named in the FIR.

As per the agreement, the complainant said, the buyers were to get possession of the flat in 2015. In case of a delay, they were entitled to a return of 28 per cent on the investment. While the developer was to construct a 22-storey tower, it added only 15 floors in all these years.

Rajpopat told the police that the builder sold two of their flats to others. The building has no electricity and water connection, he said, adding that the developer tampered with the original plan to build offices and shops on the ground floor parking space.

“We have been told that Rajpopat had complained to the BMC’s P/North ward in December 2021 about the alleged irregularities in the project but no action was taken,” said an officer from Dindoshi police station.

“No arrest has been made yet as we are investigating the case,” he said.

I’ve not cheated anyone: Builder

Deepak Shah, the owner of Atharva Realtors, said he has a 75 per cent share in the company, while others, including Shrenik Jain, own the remaining 25 per cent. Shah told mid-day, “If there has been any kind of fraud with anyone, then it must have been done by Shrenik Jain. I myself have complained against Shrenik Jain 10 days ago in Dindoshi police station in this regard.”

Shah added, “Shrenik Jain had a deal with many people from outside without informing me and other partners. The allegation against me is completely wrong, I have not cheated anyone. Shrenik is the culprit. Secondly, Rajpopatka has possession of all his flats. About the delay which has been done from our side, we have given written in the police station to give an additional flat to him [sic].”

5
No. of people named in the FIR

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