Mumbai Ghatkopar Senior Citizen Falls Victim to ₹22 Lakh Panvel Flat Scam
In a distressing case of financial fraud, a 75-year-old senior citizen and estate agent from Ghatkopar, Mumbai, has lost ₹22 lakh in a scam involving a low-cost flat in Khandeshwar, Panvel. The accused, Mahendra Gurunath Shete, a resident of Siddhivinayak Bungalow in Sector 12, New Panvel, has been arrested by the Ghatkopar police for cheating and breach of trust.
According to the police complaint, the victim, Ajit Mahadev Pavaskar, who lives with his wife, Sampada, 70, in Barve Nagar, Ghatkopar West, was approached by Shete in April 2016. Shete, who was known to Pavaskar from their earlier dealings in the real estate sector, claimed he could secure a flat in Khandeshwar, Panvel, at a significantly lower price. He promised that the deal would be completed within three months.
Over a period between April and June 2016, Pavaskar handed over ₹22 lakh to Shete. This amount included ₹13 lakh raised from selling his wife's gold ornaments and ₹9 lakh taken as a loan from a credit society. However, even after several years, neither the promised flat nor a refund was provided.
When no flat was handed over by February 2018, Pavaskar demanded his money back. In response, Shete gave a handwritten assurance and issued two post-dated cheques — one for ₹10 lakh dated May 11, 2018, and another for ₹12 lakh dated March 7, 2020. Both cheques bounced when deposited.
Despite repeated follow-ups, Pavaskar received neither the money nor the property. He finally lodged a formal complaint with the Ghatkopar police, leading to the registration of an FIR under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust). The police are currently investigating the matter.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by senior citizens in financial transactions, particularly in the real estate sector. It underscores the importance of due diligence and verification of documents and credentials before entering into any financial agreements. Authorities advise potential buyers to conduct thorough background checks and seek legal advice to avoid falling victim to such scams.
