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Mumbai Real Estate Fraud: 69-Year-Old Retired Man Duped of ₹9.8 Lakh in MHADA Flat Scam

Published: October 02, 2025 | Category: Real Estate
Mumbai Real Estate Fraud: 69-Year-Old Retired Man Duped of ₹9.8 Lakh in MHADA Flat Scam

A 69-year-old retired man has lodged a complaint with Tardeo Police alleging he was duped of nearly ₹9.8 lakh by three individuals who promised to secure him a MHADA flat in Mumbai.

According to the FIR, the complainant, Vitthal Maruti Shinde, a resident of Virar, alleged that the accused – Rutuja alias Suvarna Modak of Sewree, Vineet Pawar of Parel, and Rajesh Tiwari of Sewree – conspired together and took a total of ₹13.10 lakh from him between 2021 and 2022 under the pretext of arranging a MHADA house in Mumbai.

However, after failing to deliver on their promise, the accused allegedly returned only ₹3.30 lakh to Shinde to prevent him from initiating legal action. The remaining ₹9.80 lakh was never refunded.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest the same accused have similarly cheated other victims by offering MHADA flats in Mumbai. Based on the complaint, a case of cheating and criminal conspiracy has been registered at Tardeo Police Station. Further probe is underway.

MHADA, or Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, is a government agency responsible for providing affordable housing to low-income groups in Maharashtra. The authority has been instrumental in developing numerous housing projects, but cases of fraud and scams involving MHADA flats have become increasingly common in recent years. Victims often fall prey to unscrupulous individuals who exploit their desperation for affordable housing.

To prevent such frauds, MHADA and other regulatory bodies have been urging the public to verify the credentials and legitimacy of anyone promising MHADA flats. It is crucial for potential buyers to conduct thorough background checks and consult official MHADA resources before making any financial commitments.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar scam, it is advisable to report the incident to the nearest police station and seek legal assistance. Awareness and vigilance are key to avoiding such fraudulent schemes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is MHADA?
MHADA, or Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, is a government agency responsible for providing affordable housing to low-income groups in Maharashtra.
2. Who are the accused in this fraud case?
The accused are Rutuja alias Suvarna Modak of Sewree, Vineet Pawar of Parel, and Rajesh Tiwari of Sewree.
3. How much money was the victim duped of?
The victim, Vitthal Maruti Shinde, was duped of ₹9.80 lakh after the accused returned only ₹3.30 lakh of the total ₹13.10 lakh taken.
4. Where was the complaint registered?
The complaint was registered at Tardeo Police Station in Mumbai.
5. What can potential buyers do to avoid such scams?
Potential buyers should verify the credentials and legitimacy of anyone promising MHADA flats, conduct thorough background checks, and consult official MHADA resources before making any financial commitments.