EOW Charges Viva Group MD Mehul Thakur for ₹30 Crore Fraud
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police has charged Mehul Thakur, the owner of real estate firm Viva Group, for defrauding Poddar Housing of ₹30 crore. The investigation is ongoing to recover the funds.
Real Estate FraudEowMehul ThakurPoddar HousingViva GroupReal EstateJun 25, 2025
According to the police, Thakur, a relative of the former Vasai MLA Hitendra Thakur, approached Rohitashwa Poddar, managing director of Poddar Housing and Development Limited, in 2012. He told Poddar about his family’s political background and suggested forming a joint company to buy and develop land from farmers in Vasai and Virar, promising significant profits.
Thakur and Poddar decided to form a joint company called Poddar Vivo Housing Private Limited. Initially, Thakur and three others were directors of a company called Apaar Infrastructure Private Limited. They renamed it and made Thakur and Poddar the two owners after the other directors retired. However, Thakur allegedly secretly arranged for the retiring directors to make him the principal signatory of the company.
Thakur and Poddar agreed to buy 75 acres of land for ₹56 crore. Poddar transferred ₹30 crore to a joint bank account, accessible by Thakur, with the remaining payment to be made after the land acquisition from farmers. When Poddar realized that the farmers had not been paid, he confronted Thakur. Thakur claimed he wanted to look at other pieces of land to buy. Poddar then checked their joint account and discovered that the ₹30 crore had been transferred to Viva Holdings, a company belonging to Thakur’s family. When Poddar demanded his money back, Thakur allegedly threatened him.
Poddar finally filed a complaint with the police on June 23. Following his complaint, the EOW charged Thakur, his father Deepak Thakur, and Vikas Varthak and Radhaye Khanolkar, who were directors in Thakur’s company, under sections 316 (criminal breach of trust), 318 (cheating), 336 (forgery), 338 (forgery of valuable security), and 34 (using forged documents or electronic records) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police are conducting an investigation to recover the money.
Thakur’s father, Deepak Thakur, stated that he was unaware of the matter and that his son handled the business. The police are now focused on tracing the funds and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mehul Thakur?
Mehul Thakur is the owner of Viva Group, a real estate firm. He has been charged by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for defrauding Poddar Housing of ₹30 crore.
What is the amount of the alleged fraud?
The alleged fraud involves ₹30 crore that was transferred to a joint bank account and then allegedly shifted to Viva Holdings, a company belonging to Mehul Thakur’s family.
Who is Rohitashwa Poddar?
Rohitashwa Poddar is the managing director of Poddar Housing and Development Limited. He filed a complaint with the police after discovering the fraudulent transfer of funds.
What charges has Mehul Thakur been booked under?
Mehul Thakur has been charged under sections 316 (criminal breach of trust), 318 (cheating), 336 (forgery), 338 (forgery of valuable security), and 34 (using forged documents or electronic records) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to trace the funds and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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