Land Fraud Scandal: IPS Officer's Husband Arrested for ₹7.4 Crore Real Estate Con
In a shocking turn of events, Mumbai’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested Purushottam Chavan, husband of senior IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar, for a ₹7.42 crore land fraud racket. This arrest is the latest in a series of high-profile scams involving fraudulent promises of government quota flats.
Real Estate FraudEconomic Offences WingIps OfficerLand FraudMaharashtra PoliceReal Estate MumbaiJun 20, 2025
Purushottam Chavan, already in judicial custody for a high-stakes fraud case involving ₹24.78 crore, was arrested yet again by Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Wednesday evening in a fresh ₹7.42 crore cheating case. The new allegations point to a disturbing pattern: leveraging claimed proximity to Maharashtra’s power corridors to dupe unsuspecting investors.
Chavan allegedly promised Surat-based businessman Ashwin Shah and others prime plots of land under a fictitious “government quota scheme”, a bait that combined the allure of discounted real estate with the perceived legitimacy of bureaucratic sanction. EOW officials revealed that Chavan portrayed himself as a well-connected insider, aided by the perception that his wife, IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar, could influence the process.
According to investigators, Chavan also lured his victims with promises of lucrative government supply contracts. In one instance, he claimed he could secure an order to supply T-shirts to the Maharashtra Police Academy, further exploiting his marital ties to the police establishment to build credibility.
Chavan’s scheme revolved around a time-tested formula often seen in white-collar crime: mixing a real government initiative (in this case, the “government quota” policy for housing) with fictitious execution and falsified documentation. The victims were allegedly shown forged letters, mock project layouts, and verbal assurances backed by empty promises.
Chavan accepted advance payments to the tune of ₹7.42 crore under the pretence of processing government clearances, arranging meetings with fictitious officials, and speeding up documentation. Notably, none of the promised plots ever materialized, and repeated delays and excuses eventually led victims to approach law enforcement.
This is the second such large-scale racket Chavan has been implicated in. Last month, the EOW arrested him in connection with a ₹24.78 crore scam involving “government quota flats” in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. In both cases, the victims believed that Chavan’s wife’s IPS status lent credibility to his claims.
While Rashmi Karandikar, a senior IPS officer currently posted with the Maharashtra Police, has not been named as an accused, the case has inevitably raised uncomfortable questions about whether her position was misused, either with or without her knowledge. EOW officials have so far refrained from drawing conclusions but are reportedly exploring the extent to which her identity and influence may have been instrumentalized.
Sources close to the investigation state that the victims were shown photos of Chavan with senior government functionaries and police officers. His routine use of official emblems, paraphernalia, and anecdotal references to internal workings of government agencies painted a compelling façade. Legal experts say that while the IPS officer herself may not have been directly involved, the case underscores the need for stronger safeguards against the misuse of bureaucratic identities by relatives and close associates.
With two cases of massive real estate fraud linked to Chavan, EOW sources confirm that more victims may yet come forward, and additional charges could follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Purushottam Chavan and what is he accused of?
Purushottam Chavan is the husband of senior IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar. He is accused of masterminding a ₹7.42 crore land fraud racket, involving fraudulent promises of government quota flats and prime plots of land.
What is the 'government quota scheme' mentioned in the article?
The 'government quota scheme' is a fictitious initiative used by Purushottam Chavan to dupe unsuspecting investors. He promised them discounted prime plots of land under the guise of a legitimate government housing scheme.
How did Chavan build credibility with his victims?
Chavan built credibility by portraying himself as a well-connected insider and leveraging his wife's position as a senior IPS officer. He also used forged letters, mock project layouts, and verbal assurances to gain the trust of his victims.
What other fraud is Chavan accused of?
In addition to the ₹7.42 crore land fraud, Chavan is also accused of a separate ₹24.78 crore real estate con involving fraudulent promises of government quota flats in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.
Is Rashmi Karandikar, the IPS officer, involved in the fraud?
Rashmi Karandikar has not been named as an accused in the fraud cases. However, her position as a senior IPS officer has raised questions about whether her identity and influence were misused by her husband, Purushottam Chavan.
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