Mumbai Police Arrest Former Lodha Group Director in ₹85 Crore Fraud Case
In a significant development, the Mumbai police's crime branch has arrested Rajendra Lodha, a former director of Lodha Developers Pvt. Ltd., in connection with an alleged ₹85 crore fraud. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the real estate sector.
MumbaiReal EstateFraudLodha GroupPoliceReal EstateSep 18, 2025
This is the second major controversy to hit the Lodha group, which is a prominent name in the real estate sector. A few years ago, the sons of real estate tycoon and BJP minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, Abhishek and Abhinandan, had a public split.
The case was registered on September 16 at the N. M. Joshi Marg police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following a complaint by Monil Gala, the head liaisoner at Lodha Developers Pvt. Ltd. The FIR alleged massive financial irregularities, illegal land sales, misuse of company position, and fraudulent transactions causing losses of over ₹85 crore to the company.
Rajendra Lodha, who has been associated with the company since 1990 and became a director in 2015, is accused of misusing his position to authorize fake land deals and fraudulent agreements. He is alleged to have created false MoUs, undervalued prime properties, and diverted large sums of money for personal benefit. For instance, he is accused of selling land worth ₹10 crore in Ambernath for just ₹88 lakh and undervaluing another property in Panvel, causing losses of over ₹6.25 crore to the company.
The company also alleged that Lodha, along with his son Sahil Lodha and brokers, misrepresented ownership of land in Panvel to siphon off ₹3.03 crore in cash. Investigations revealed suspicious TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) sales in Kalyan-Dombivli, where Lodha allegedly carried out 35 transactions at below-market rates, causing losses of nearly ₹20 crore.
In July 2025, when the company sought details of Lodha’s personal assets, he allegedly refused to disclose the information and threatened to resign. Later, through his associate Bharat Narosana, Lodha allegedly issued threats to Abhishek Lodha, the company’s MD, warning that he could damage both the company and himself, comparing himself to a “suicide bomber.”
Lodha subsequently resigned as a full-time director and submitted asset details of himself, his wife Nitu, and his son Sahil. The company alleged that the disclosures exposed massive financial irregularities and benami dealings.
During the hearing, the counsel for the crime branch argued that Rajendra Lodha systematically defrauded Lodha Developers by abusing his position as director and siphoning off at least ₹85 crore. Investigators told the court that further probe was required to trace whether more assets were acquired using illicit funds and to scrutinize the undervalued TDR transactions.
The court granted police custody till September 23 to allow for detailed interrogation and recovery of evidence. The case has sent shockwaves through Mumbai’s real estate sector, with investigators suspecting that the fraud amount may exceed the ₹85 crore estimated so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajendra Lodha?
Rajendra Lodha is a former director of Lodha Developers Pvt. Ltd., a prominent real estate company in Mumbai. He has been associated with the company since 1990 and became a director in 2015.
What is the alleged fraud amount?
The alleged fraud amount is ₹85 crore, though investigators suspect it may be higher.
What are the main allegations against Rajendra Lodha?
Rajendra Lodha is accused of massive financial irregularities, illegal land sales, misuse of company position, and fraudulent transactions. He is alleged to have created false MoUs, undervalued prime properties, and diverted large sums of money for personal benefit.
When was the case registered?
The case was registered on September 16 at the N. M. Joshi Marg police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
What is the current status of Rajendra Lodha?
Rajendra Lodha has been arrested and remanded to police custody until September 23 by the Esplanade Court.
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