Mumbai Police Arrests Conman Who Duped Real Estate Developer of ₹4 Crore and 3.5Kg Gold
Worli police apprehended Dhirendra Chandrakant Shukla, a wanted real estate agent, for duping Avighna Group of Rs2 crore and 3.5kg gold by promising a vacant plot in Worli for development.
Mumbai NewsReal Estate ScamAvighna GroupWorli PoliceDhirendra Chandrakant ShuklaReal Estate MumbaiSep 12, 2024
In 2023, Kailash Kedar Nath Agarwal, a 72-year-old real estate developer, was approached by Shukla where he showcased properties in the Worli Sea Face and Harkness Road areas and offered to assist Agarwal in acquiring and developing them. Agarwal liked one of the properties, located on RG Thadani Road, Worli Estate, Scheme No 58, and Shukla claimed to have a close relationship with the property's owner and presented some documents, promising to arrange a meeting to finalise the deal.
He then valued the property at Rs150-160 crore and requested advance money and the victim gave 3.5 kg gold as an advance payment to him, said the police. Two months later, Shukla claimed that the property owner was leaving the country and needed the money urgently. He assured Agarwal that a meeting with the owner would be arranged soon. Trusting Shukla, Agarwal transferred Rs2 crore.
However, Shukla subsequently became unresponsive, avoiding Agarwal’s calls. Realizing he had been scammed, Agarwal filed a police complaint in 2023. Following the complaint, the police registered a fraud case against Shukla. Three days ago, Shukla was arrested by the Worli police from Odisha.
About Avighna Group Avighna Group is a renowned real estate developer in India, known for its premium residential and commercial projects. The group has a strong presence in Mumbai and has developed several iconic landmarks in the city.
The case highlights the growing concern of real estate scams in India, where developers and investors are being duped by conmen promising lucrative deals. The police have urged citizens to be cautious while dealing with real estate transactions and to verify the authenticity of the agents and properties before making any transactions.
The Worli police have been proactive in tackling real estate scams in the area and have arrested several conmen in the past. The police have also set up a special task force to deal with such cases and have been working closely with the real estate industry to prevent such scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the Worli police?
Dhirendra Chandrakant Shukla, a wanted real estate agent, was arrested by the Worli police for duping Avighna Group of Rs2 crore and 3.5kg gold.
What was the modus operandi of the scam?
Shukla showcased properties in the Worli Sea Face and Harkness Road areas and offered to assist Agarwal in acquiring and developing them. He claimed to have a close relationship with the property's owner and presented some documents, promising to arrange a meeting to finalise the deal.
How much money was transferred by Agarwal to Shukla?
Agarwal transferred Rs2 crore to Shukla, in addition to giving 3.5 kg gold as an advance payment.
When was the police complaint filed by Agarwal?
Agarwal filed a police complaint in 2023 after realizing he had been scammed.
What is the name of the real estate group that was duped by Shukla?
Avighna Group, a renowned real estate developer in India, was duped by Shukla.
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