Mumbai Fraud Case: 74-Year-Old Woman with Memory Loss Exploited of Properties and Gold
A 74-year-old woman suffering from memory loss and poor vision was defrauded of her high-value real estate properties, gold, and savings, totaling over Rs 2.26 crore by her neighbors in Mumbai.
FraudReal EstateMemory LossMumbaiProperty TheftReal Estate MumbaiAug 23, 2025
According to a complaint filed by Aparna Ninad Warekar, 49, Jayashree’s cousin from Mahalaxmi, the victim and her late sister Ashalata Chavan had worked in reputable positions and had jointly acquired several immovable properties. After Ashalata passed away in 2018 due to schizophrenia, Jayashree lived alone in their Kurla home.
The fraud came to light after Aparna visited Jayashree on December 18, 2024, and found her in a pitiable condition, unaware of her surroundings, with severely impaired vision and memory loss. Aparna also discovered that valuables, including jewelry, had gone missing from the home. She found evidence of fraudulent property sales and suspicious documents. She later admitted Jayashree to a hospital where her condition improved, and subsequent questioning and investigations revealed the extent of the scam. A deeper investigation led to the discovery of documents revealing the suspicious sale of properties at throwaway prices.
One major instance included the sale of a Virar flat, originally belonging to Ashalata, to Jalaluddin Shaikh for only Rs 9 lakh. The flat was later sold by Shaikh and others for just Rs 12 lakh, despite a market value of around Rs 30 lakh. In another instance, a row house in Belapur, Navi Mumbai, worth Rs 75 lakh, was sold by Kadir Solanki as Jayashree’s legal power of attorney to Pooja and Santosh Walnuskar for just Rs 22 lakh. Solanki had allegedly obtained Jayashree’s signature by falsely claiming it was needed for a passport application for a Dubai trip.
Solanki is also accused of registering his mobile number to Jayashree’s bank account, conducting multiple UPI transactions, and forging signatures on checks from the late Ashalata’s bank account to transfer money into accounts controlled by him. The total fraud uncovered Rs 2.26 crore so far includes immovable properties worth Rs 1.55 crore, bank withdrawals and pension funds totaling Rs 65 lakh, gold ornaments and silver valued at Rs 6.87 lakh.
The Nehru Nagar Police have registered an FIR and launched a detailed investigation. Legal documents, sale deeds, and forged powers of attorney have been seized for forensic review. Police confirmed that the fraudulent activities involved not just theft and cheating but also impersonation and document forgery.
1. Flat in New Parth Co-operative Housing Society, Vartak Road, Virar (West)
Owner: Originally in the name of Jayashree's late sister, Ashalata Chavan
Fraudster: Jalaluddin Rafiq Shaikh forged a legal heir certificate via Vasai Court using a false affidavit. Purchase by Shaikh for just Rs 9 lakh, later resold with forged support.
Buyers: Khushabu Bhandari and Neelam Bhandari
Sold for: Rs 12 lakh
Actual market value: Rs 30 lakh
2. Row House in Artist Village, Sector 8, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
Owner: Jayashree Chavan (fraudulently signed power of attorney)
Sold by: Kadir Solanki, claiming Jayashree needed a passport for Dubai travel and got her signature deceptively.
Buyers: Pooja Walnuskar and Santosh Walnuskar
Sold for: Rs 22 lakh
Market value: Rs 75 lakh
3. Shop Space in Ramchandra Nagar No. 2, Kamgar Nagar, Hospital Road, Thane (W)
Owner: Jayashree’s Sister Pramila Chavan
Sold by: Kadir Solanki using forged documents via notary
Buyer: Shiva Hanumanta Gudpas (deceased)
Sold for: Rs 40 lakh
Market value: Rs 50 lakh
Kadir Solanki allegedly registered his mobile number on Jayashree’s bank account and made multiple UPI transactions. He also forged cheques from Ashalata’s bank account to divert funds into his own and Jayashree’s accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim in this fraud case?
The victim was Jayashree Narayan Chavan, a 74-year-old retired woman suffering from memory loss and poor vision, living alone in Kurla, Mumbai.
What were the total assets defrauded from the victim?
The total fraud uncovered Rs 2.26 crore, including immovable properties worth Rs 1.55 crore, bank withdrawals and pension funds totaling Rs 65 lakh, and gold ornaments and silver valued at Rs 6.87 lakh.
Who are the accused in this fraud case?
The accused are Kadir Farooq Solanki, 22, Jalaluddin Rafiq Shaikh, 42, Akbar Saudagar, 45, and Advocate Yash Bhandare, 35.
How did the fraud come to light?
The fraud came to light after the victim’s cousin, Aparna Ninad Warekar, visited Jayashree and found her in a pitiable condition with missing valuables and suspicious documents.
What actions have the police taken?
The Nehru Nagar Police have registered an FIR and launched a detailed investigation, seizing legal documents, sale deeds, and forged powers of attorney for forensic review.
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