Concerns Mount Over Fraudulent Claims on Church Properties in Bandra

A day after a viral advertisement falsely claimed that Mumbai’s iconic Retreat House at Bandstand was going on the block for Rs 900 crore, activists and members of the Catholic community have alleged that the incident is part of a broader pattern of fraudulent ownership claims involving prime Church-owned properties.

The controversy has moved beyond concerns over a fake real-estate listing, with community members questioning whether repeated warnings about similar claims were adequately acted upon despite red flags emerging several years ago.

At the center of the latest allegations is the claim that the chain of events that played out in the last few days over the Retreat House property was identical to what happened previously in connection with another prominent Bandstand property, the Clergy Home.

Social activist Zoru Bhathena said concerns were first raised in 2023 after a public notice asserting ownership rights over the Clergy Home property appeared in newspapers.

“In February 2023, I came across a public notice issued by one Mr. Swami claiming ownership of Clergy Home at Bandstand. I brought the matter to the attention of the Archbishop of Bombay, following which the Archdiocese issued a public notice disputing the claim,” Bhathena said.

According to him, the issue resurfaced in January 2024, when one Manish Soni got in touch from Delhi after he came across a media report. “He said he was in the process of buying the Clergy Home from Mr Swami after inspecting it in person and finding it suitable. However, his office staff conducted a Google search and stumbled upon earlier newspaper reports about the fraud,” Bhathena said.

The activist alleged that the buyer subsequently abandoned the proposed deal and shared documents that had purportedly been used to support the ownership claims.

“Documents shared with us included claims relating not only to Clergy Home but also to Retreat House. We forwarded the material to the Archbishop and the legal team for further action,” he said.

Bhatena further alleged that the recurrence of similar claims suggested that stronger action may have been required at an earlier stage. “It appears that the Archbishop’s office has not pursued these fraudulent claims with sufficient seriousness, which is why they keep resurfacing,” he said.

He also raised concerns about how prospective buyers were allegedly being granted access to inspect properties and review supporting documentation. “The fact that prospective buyers can freely visit and inspect these properties also points to a very strong possibility that someone from the inside is party to these frauds.”

Bhatena further claimed that another dispute involving Church-owned land at Bullock Road, Bandstand, was following a similar pattern. “There is a similar issue concerning Church property at Bullock Road. While the individuals involved may be different, the circumstances appear comparable. We hope the Archdiocese gives all such matters the attention they deserve,” he said.

The latest controversy has also sparked concern among members of the Catholic community, several of whom have called for faster and more decisive responses whenever ownership disputes involving Church properties arise.

Melwyn Fernandes, social activist and secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians, said concerns regarding alleged fraudulent claims over Church lands had been raised repeatedly over the years.

“This has been occurring for several years. In 2023, I informed the Archdiocese about an incident involving the Clergy Home property and an allegedly fraudulent probate. To my knowledge, no action has been taken so far,” Fernandes said.

He urged Church authorities to respond immediately whenever information relating to alleged fraud emerges through social media reports, newspaper publications, or direct complaints.

Fernandes also questioned how detailed property records were allegedly reaching brokers and intermediaries.

“We are surprised that complaints have not been filed with agencies such as the police, the courts, or the Economic Offences Wing. Without access to internal information, it would be difficult for brokers to obtain detailed land records, search reports, old gift deeds, and historical wills,” he alleged.

In a warning to Church authorities, Fernandes said continued inaction could compel parishioners to seek legal remedies themselves.

“If such incidents continue, beneficiaries of the Catholic Church may consider filing criminal complaints against those responsible for managing Church properties for failing to act,” he said.

The pressure intensified on Wednesday when Bombay High Court advocate and Catholic activist Joaquim Floriano stated that legal action could follow if authorities failed to initiate proceedings against those allegedly involved in fraudulent property transactions.

Floriano said that if action was not taken within 48 hours regarding alleged attempts to fraudulently sell Church properties, including Retreat House and Clergy Home, he would consider filing a police complaint under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Office-bearers of the Society of Jesus Bombay Province stated that the matter is currently under review.