Real Estate Agent and Wife Face Charges for Defrauding Thane Woman of Rs 32.83 Lakh
Police in Thane have registered a case against a real estate agent and his wife for allegedly cheating a Thane-based woman of Rs 32.83 lakh on the pretext of getting her a flat under a government scheme in Mumbai, officials said on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old victim is a resident of Mira Road in Thane, and her husband works abroad. According to an official from the Kashigaon police station, the real estate agent and his wife, both from Jogeshwari in neighboring Mumbai, assured her of a house at Kandivali in the metropolis under the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) scheme.
The duo allegedly took Rs 32.83 lakh from her in installments from October 2023, but failed to provide her the promised house. When she tried to contact them and sought an explanation, there was no response from their end, leading her to approach the police.
Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered on Monday against the couple under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The police have initiated an investigation to trace the whereabouts of the accused and recover the defrauded amount.
The MHADA scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to the economically weaker sections and low-income groups in the state of Maharashtra. It is crucial for individuals to verify the credentials and legitimacy of real estate agents and developers before making any financial commitments to avoid falling victim to such frauds.
Residents are advised to be cautious and seek legal advice when dealing with property transactions, especially those involving government schemes. The Thane police have also issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The victim's ordeal highlights the importance of due diligence and the need for stringent regulations to protect potential homebuyers from fraudulent practices. The police are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a similar scam, it is essential to report the incident to the authorities immediately and seek legal assistance to protect your rights and recover any lost funds.
