Ulwe Housing Fraud: Teacher Duped of Rs 4 Lakh by Fake Estate Agents
A kindergarten teacher in Navi Mumbai was duped of Rs 4 lakh by fraudsters posing as real estate agents. The Ulwe Police have registered a case and are searching for the suspects.
Housing FraudReal EstateNavi MumbaiUlweProperty ScamReal Estate MumbaiNov 03, 2025
The ordeal began in June when Venu Chandrakant Hanmante (44), a resident of Turbhe Naka, sought to purchase a flat in Sector 5, Ulwe. Her daughter spotted an advertisement for a flat in “Riddhi Siddhi Apartment” on a well-known property web portal.
The family contacted a man named Chirag, mentioned in the advertisement, who arranged a visit to the flat and presented forged documents claiming the property belonged to a person named Mrunal Baruah. To make the deal appear genuine, Chirag introduced the family to two more accomplices—one impersonating Mrunal Baruah, the supposed owner, and another posing as a “manager” named Pravin Singh. After discussions, the flat’s price was settled at Rs 31.5 lakh.
The Hanmante family made an initial token payment of Rs 51,000 by cheque to a firm called Auro Reality, followed by another cheque of Rs 3.49 lakh on July 2 for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both cheques were cashed, totalling Rs 4 lakh. However, when the impostors failed to provide original ownership documents required for a home loan, the family grew suspicious. They visited the Auro Reality office in CBD Belapur, only to discover it was closed.
Further inquiries revealed the real owner of the flat was someone entirely different, and the identity of “Mrunal Baruah” was fake. Realizing the elaborate deception, Venu Hanmante filed a police complaint at Ulwe Police Station.
According to police investigations, the fraudsters withdraw the funds immediately after encashing them through accounts at AU Small Finance Bank and others. A case has been registered against Chirag, Pravin Singh, the fake Mrunal Baruah, and Sahil Narkar under IPC sections for cheating and forgery.
The Navi Mumbai Police have urged citizens to exercise caution when buying or selling property online. “Always verify the original owner’s identity, check document authenticity, and avoid hasty financial transactions,” officials warned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount of money the teacher was duped of?
The teacher was duped of Rs 4 lakh.
Who are the accused in this housing fraud case?
The accused are Chirag, Pravin Singh, the fake Mrunal Baruah, and Sahil Narkar.
How did the fraudsters make the deal appear genuine?
The fraudsters introduced the family to accomplices impersonating the property owner and a manager, and presented forged documents.
What should citizens do to avoid falling prey to such scams?
Citizens should verify the original owner’s identity, check document authenticity, and avoid hasty financial transactions.
Where did the scam take place?
The scam took place in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai.
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