Real Estate Agent and Wife Face Charges for Defrauding Thane Woman of Rs 32.83 Lakh

Thane, Sep 30 (PTI) Police 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 and her husband works abroad. She claimed 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, an official from Kashigaon police station said.

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, following which she approached the police.

Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered on Monday against the couple under various Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, the police added.

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is a government body responsible for providing affordable housing to low-income groups in Maharashtra. The scheme offers various benefits, including subsidized costs and easy financing options. However, such schemes are often targets for fraudsters who exploit the trust of unsuspecting victims.

The victim's family and friends are in shock over the incident, as they believed the real estate agent and his wife to be trustworthy. The police are urging anyone with similar experiences to come forward and report the fraud.

The case highlights the importance of due diligence and caution when dealing with real estate transactions, especially those involving government schemes. Potential buyers are advised to verify the credentials of real estate agents and ensure all documents and agreements are legally binding and transparent.

The police are conducting a thorough investigation to recover the funds and bring the perpetrators to justice. The victim's lawyer has also filed a civil suit to reclaim the lost amount and seek compensation for the emotional and financial distress caused by the fraud.

The Kashigaon police station has set up a dedicated helpline for victims of similar frauds and encourages the public to stay informed about the latest scams and preventive measures. The authorities are also working to strengthen regulations and oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.

For more information on how to protect yourself from real estate fraud and to report any suspicious activities, you can contact the local police or visit the MHADA website for official guidelines and resources.