Bombay High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail for Real Estate Agent in ₹82 Lakh Bribery Case
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has denied anticipatory bail to a real estate agent accused of defrauding a Vile Parle-based restaurant owner of ₹82 lakh, allegedly to bribe BMC officials for property transfer.
Bombay High CourtReal EstateBriberyAnticipatory BailVile ParleReal Estate MumbaiMay 31, 2025
The FIR was registered on April 14, 2025, at the Vile Parle Police Station, based on a complaint filed by Jayprakash Suru Shetty, owner of Geeta Restaurant. According to the prosecution, the accused misrepresented to Shetty that a sum of ₹82 lakh — ₹50 lakh through bank transfers and ₹32 lakh in cash — was required as illegal gratification for BMC officials. It is claimed that ₹9.5 lakh of that money was directly transferred to Mutreja’s bank account, and ₹9.25 lakh was handed to him in cash.
Mutreja’s advocate, Rahul Moghe, argued that the amount he received was a loan from co-accused Vyas for his mother’s cancer treatment. However, the court found this claim unconvincing. “This appears to be doubtful and an afterthought,” Justice Sethna said, noting the absence of any documentary evidence to support the loan claim.
The court also pointed to WhatsApp chats and an MOU dated January 22, 2025, linking Mutreja to the deal between the complainant and co-accused Vyas, undermining his claim of having no involvement. “This would belie the case of the applicant that he is not concerned at all with the accused nos.2 and 3 (co-accused Paresh Shah and Prakash Vyas),” the court observed.
A voice recording submitted by the prosecution, in which Mutreja is allegedly heard demanding money from the complainant’s daughter to bribe officials, further damaged his plea. “Such material would prima facie indicate an attempt on part of the applicant to influence the prospective witnesses,” the judge noted.
Citing six similar criminal complaints against Mutreja and expressing concern that he may flee justice, the court concluded: “It would be a travesty of justice if the contentions of the applicant are accepted… The anticipatory bail application is rejected.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount involved in the bribery case?
The amount involved in the bribery case is ₹82 lakh, allegedly used to bribe BMC officials for a property transfer.
Who filed the complaint against the real estate agent?
The complaint was filed by Jayprakash Suru Shetty, the owner of Geeta Restaurant in Vile Parle.
What did the real estate agent claim about the money he received?
The real estate agent, Pawan Mutreja, claimed that the money he received was a loan from co-accused Vyas for his mother’s cancer treatment.
What evidence did the court find against the real estate agent?
The court found WhatsApp chats, an MOU dated January 22, 2025, and a voice recording as evidence against the real estate agent, Pawan Mutreja.
Why was the anticipatory bail application rejected?
The anticipatory bail application was rejected due to the court's finding of a larger conspiracy, the presence of incriminating evidence, and concerns about the agent's potential flight from justice.
Related News Articles
Maharashtra's Real Estate Market Sees Upsurge in Property Registrations
Maharashtra's real estate market experiences a boost in property registrations and revenue despite unchanged RR rates, indicating a shift towards high-value transactions.
Top Stock Picks for Short-Term Gains: Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Life, HDFC Bank, and LIC Housing Finance
Market tech analysts Soni Patnaik, Mitessh Thakkar, and F&O analyst Rajesh Palviya recommend these stocks for short-term gains.
3 Financial Stocks Show Promise, Real Estate Overhyped: Samir Arora
Samir Arora, Founder of Helios Capital, highlights the potential of some NBFCs and microfinance companies, while expressing concerns about the real estate sector being overdone. He believes that HDFC Bank, Kotak Bank, and Bajaj Finance, which have underpe
NBT Office Relocation and Pune Book Festival Expected to Draw 7.5 Lakh Visitors
The National Book Trust (NBT) is set to shift its office to the city, a move that coincides with the highly anticipated Pune Book Festival. The festival, expected to attract 7.5 lakh visitors, is a significant cultural event that showcases a wide array of
Metro Brands Promoters Acquire Five Luxury Apartments in Mumbai's Worli for ₹405 Crore
The promoters of footwear retailer Metro Brands have made a significant investment in Mumbai's luxury real estate market by purchasing five apartments in the Worli area for ₹405 crore. These apartments are located in one of the city's tallest buildings, P
Maharashtra Real Estate: Majority of Developers Update Project Details for MahaRERA Compliance
A significant number of real estate developers in Maharashtra have taken steps to improve their compliance with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) by updating their project details. This move reflects a growing commitment to trans