Real Estate Agent and Wife Accused of Defrauding Thane Woman of Rs 32 Lakh

Thane, Sep 30 (PTI) Police have taken action against a real estate agent and his wife for allegedly duping a Thane-based woman of Rs 32.83 lakh. The woman, 32 years old and a resident of Mira Road, has accused the couple of promising her a flat in Kandivali, Mumbai, under the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) scheme.

The victim's husband works abroad, and she approached the real estate agent and his wife, both residents of Jogeshwari, Mumbai, for assistance in securing the flat. According to an official from the Kashigaon police station, the duo assured her of a house under the MHADA scheme and took Rs 32.83 lakh from her in installments starting from October 2023.

However, the promised house was never provided, and when the woman tried to contact the real estate agent and his wife for an explanation, they did not respond. Frustrated and without any recourse, she approached the police with her complaint.

Based on her statement, an FIR was registered on Monday against the couple under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The police are now investigating the case to bring the accused to justice.

The MHADA scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to eligible applicants. It is designed to ensure that housing is accessible to those who need it most, and such fraudulent activities can have a significant impact on the credibility of the scheme and the trust of potential beneficiaries.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar scam, it is crucial to report it to the authorities immediately. Staying vigilant and seeking legal help can prevent such incidents and protect your financial interests.