Mastermind of Multicrore Real Estate Scam Arrested in Maharashtra
Dattatray Ganpati Mohite, the alleged mastermind behind a multicrore real estate fraud, was arrested in Maharashtra after evading the law for over a decade. The scam, centered on a bogus housing scheme called Pragati Valley Project, duped thousands of investors.
Real Estate FraudDattatray Ganpati MohitePragati Valley ProjectMaharashtraArrestReal EstateJun 21, 2025
A resident of Karjat in Maharashtra, Mohite has multiple cases of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy filed against him. He was declared a proclaimed offender (PO) in four major FIRs registered with the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and one at the Amar Colony police station in South Delhi. A cash reward of Rs 50,000 had also been announced on his arrest.
“The team worked tirelessly for over a week, disguising themselves as local contractors such as carpenters to gather actionable intelligence through multiple sources, supported by technical surveillance. Field-level verification and coordination with local informers revealed the presence of the top wanted criminal in Raigad district in Maharashtra, where he had been hiding to evade arrest for cheating and forgery cases,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sanjay Sain.
“On June 18, after confirming the authenticity of the intelligence, a well-coordinated raid was conducted by the Cyber Cell team in Karjat. The team swiftly moved in and successfully apprehended the accused under Section 35(1)(D) of the BNSS,” he added.
The investigation revealed that Mohite was the alleged mastermind behind a multi-crore real estate scam centering on a bogus housing scheme called Pragati Valley Project in the Karjat area of Navi Mumbai. With his firm, Pragati Land & Housing Corporation, and using over 70 fake estate agencies, he allegedly lured thousands of unsuspecting investors from Delhi with false promises of land ownership and high returns, said police. Using forged site plans, allotment letters, and misleading brochures, Mohite collected over Rs 20 crore from prospective buyers via cash and cheques.
However, the project never existed, and the company abruptly ceased operations around 2010, with Mohite vanishing along with other directors. According to the police, none of the promised land parcels were ever owned or approved, and no regulatory permissions were secured. The so-called estate firms served only as booking fronts to facilitate the scam. All documents presented to investors were later found to be fake.
After his arrest, Mohite was produced before the court in Raigad, where a transit remand was obtained. He will now be brought to Delhi for further legal proceedings related to cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy. Further investigation is underway to trace his co-accused, recover assets, and dismantle the wider network that supported his long run from the law, said police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dattatray Ganpati Mohite?
Dattatray Ganpati Mohite is the alleged mastermind behind a multicrore real estate scam centered on a bogus housing scheme called Pragati Valley Project. He has been wanted by the police for over a decade.
What was the Pragati Valley Project?
The Pragati Valley Project was a bogus housing scheme in the Karjat area of Navi Mumbai, where Mohite and his firm, Pragati Land & Housing Corporation, lured thousands of investors with false promises of land ownership and high returns.
How did the police catch Mohite?
The police conducted a week-long operation, using disguises, field-level verification, and coordination with local informers to locate and arrest Mohite in Raigad, Maharashtra.
What charges does Mohite face?
Mohite faces charges of cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy. He has multiple FIRs registered against him in Delhi and is a proclaimed offender.
What happens next in the case?
Mohite will be brought to Delhi for further legal proceedings. The police are also investigating to trace his co-accused, recover assets, and dismantle the wider network that supported his long run from the law.
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