Real Estate Director in Thane Arrested for Fraudulent Permits Scam

Thane's real estate director, Umrao Singh Prithviraj Ostwal, is under arrest for a major fraud involving fake construction permits. This scam has affected numerous buyers, with 13 criminal cases now linked to him in Thane, Maharashtra, officials announced on Monday.

Umrao Singh Prithviraj Ostwal, the director of Ostwal Builders Pvt Ltd, is accused of creating and using fake revised construction permits and maps. These fraudulent documents were presented as legitimate to unsuspecting buyers. According to an official release from the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar police, Ostwal allegedly constructed additional units beyond the sanctioned limits in the Ostwal Paradise Building No. 6, located in the Mira Bhayander area, and sold them to unsuspecting buyers, thereby defrauding them of crores of rupees.

A formal complaint was filed on May 16 this year at Nayanagar Police Station under legal provisions covering cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy. The probe, led by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), pointed to Ostwal's direct involvement in these fraudulent activities, as stated by the police.

When crime branch officials arrived at Ostwal's residence in the Mira Bhayander area on Saturday, he attempted to flee but was captured after a brief pursuit and subsequently handed over to the EOW. Further investigation revealed that 13 criminal cases are registered against him across multiple police stations, including Navghar, Mira Road, Nayanagar, and Kashimira in Thane.

Authorities have strongly urged the public to meticulously verify all construction permits and approvals before purchasing property to avoid falling victim to similar scams. This case highlights the importance of due diligence and the need for buyers to be vigilant when dealing with real estate transactions, especially in areas with a history of fraudulent activities.

Ostwal Builders Pvt Ltd, a prominent real estate firm in Thane, has been in the spotlight due to these allegations. The company's reputation has taken a significant hit, and it remains to be seen how this will affect their future operations. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud and to ensure that all affected parties are identified and provided with the necessary support.

For potential property buyers, it is crucial to seek legal advice and conduct thorough background checks on the developer and the property. This includes verifying the authenticity of all permits and approvals, ensuring that the construction adheres to the sanctioned limits, and seeking independent verification from trusted sources. By taking these precautions, buyers can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes like the one perpetrated by Umrao Singh Prithviraj Ostwal.