Mumbai Police Arrests Former Lodha Developers Director for Land Fraud
Mumbai Police has arrested Rajendra N. Lodha, a former director of Lodha Developers, following the company’s complaint of cheating, fraud, and misappropriation in land acquisition deals. The matter is being investigated by the Property Cell of Mumbai police crime branch.
Mumbai PoliceLodha DevelopersLand FraudRajendra LodhaProperty CellReal Estate MumbaiSep 17, 2025
On Monday, Mumbai Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) at NM Joshi Marg police station against Rajendra Lodha, citing criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy. The investigation is being handled by the Property Cell of the Mumbai police crime branch.
Rajendra Lodha, a distant relative of the listed company’s CEO, Abhishek Lodha, was responsible for overseeing land acquisitions in parts of Thane district for several years. According to the complaint filed by Lodha Developers, he misused his position to siphon funds and amass personal wealth. An internal audit flagged irregularities in one of his transactions, and when asked to provide details of his assets, he initially refused before resigning as director and promoter.
Advocate Zulfiquar Memon and Advocate Parvez Memon of MZM Legal appeared alongside Niranjan Mundargi for the complainant, Lodha Developers. The complaint noted that in 2022, Rajendra Lodha arranged a Memorandum of Understanding for 10 acres of land in Panvel, adjusting the Rs 3.03 crore payment against a flat. However, the land was never owned by the seller, and Lodha Developers never purchased the plot, as stated in the complaint.
In Kalyan, land purchased by Lodha Developers in 2013 was transferred to an associate without the company’s approval and later sold back to the company at a marked-up price of Rs 2.65 crore. The complaint also highlighted multiple sales of company-owned land at throwaway prices, causing losses of around Rs 27 crore.
This includes a 1.46-acre Ambernath land parcel sold for Rs 88 lakh, which was later acquired by the government for Rs 10.88 crore. Another plot in Kalyan, originally purchased for Rs 10 crore, was sold to Usha Enterprises for Rs 48 lakh, with the company alleging that Rajendra and Sahil are benami owners. The list of deals also includes a Rs 9-crore plot sold to NBP Edutech for Rs 2.75 crore, where Sahil Lodha is a founding partner.
Rajendra Lodha also sold 7.15 lakh sq ft of Transferable Development Rights in Bhopar at roughly 30% below market value, with the alleged cash difference pocketed. Large sums, including Rs 2 crore shown as broker fees, were allegedly routed back to Rajendra in cash, as stated in the FIR.
The arrest and ongoing investigation highlight the serious nature of the allegations and the commitment of the Mumbai Police to address corporate fraud and mismanagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajendra N. Lodha?
Rajendra N. Lodha is a former director of Lodha Developers, a prominent real estate firm. He was responsible for overseeing land acquisitions in parts of Thane district.
What are the charges against Rajendra Lodha?
Rajendra Lodha is charged with criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy, following a complaint by Lodha Developers for alleged misappropriation in land acquisition deals.
What did the internal audit reveal?
The internal audit flagged irregularities in one of Rajendra Lodha's transactions and noted that he refused to provide details of his assets initially.
What is the extent of the alleged financial loss?
The complaint alleges that multiple sales of company-owned land at throwaway prices caused losses of around Rs 27 crore.
Which legal team represented Lodha Developers?
Advocate Zulfiquar Memon and Advocate Parvez Memon of MZM Legal, along with Niranjan Mundargi, represented Lodha Developers in the case.
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