Builder and Five Others Accused of Scamming 35 People of INR 21 Crores in Mumbai
In a shocking turn of events, a case has been registered at the Tilak Nagar police station in Mumbai against five individuals, including Midas Builders, for allegedly defrauding 35 people of a housing project in Chembur, amounting to a staggering INR 21.23 crore. The complainant, Gul Shyamdas Totlani, a tax consultant residing in Thane, highlighted that he and 34 others had invested in the Bhakti Meadows project in Chembur back in 2013. However, despite their investments, they have not received possession of the flats for over 11 years, leading to the filing of the case.
Accusations and Legal Actions
The accused individuals named in the case include Messrs Midas Builders, Messrs Bhakti Buildwell, Naveen Ramji Kothari, Irene Edwin DiMello, and Edwin Jerry DiMello. The allegations against them range from fraud and criminal breach of trust to violations of the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA). The complainant, Totlani, expressed his disappointment at not receiving the promised possession of the flats despite investing substantial amounts over the years.
The case has now been registered under sections 409, 420, and 120 (b) of the Indian Penal Code, along with sections 5, 8, and 13 of MOFA. The seriousness of the matter has prompted discussions of involving the Economic Offences Branch (EOW) to investigate the alleged scam further. The complainant, along with the other victims, have taken steps to address the issue by approaching the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) and forming the Midas Bhakti Meadows Allotments Association to seek justice.
The Promised Possession and Disappointments
Totlani and the other investors were reassured of receiving possession of their flats within a few years of their investments in the Bhakti Meadows project. However, the reality turned out to be starkly different, as the promised possession did not materialize even after a decade. The investors, including Totlani, collectively invested a substantial amount totaling INR 21.23 crore between June 2013 and June 2024, only to be left without the homes they had rightfully paid for.
The complainants have alleged that certain members associated with the project misled them by selling flats without the necessary approvals for constructing the tenth floor of the building. This breach of trust has not only led to financial losses but also emotional distress for the victims who were eagerly awaiting possession of their dream homes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the victims are hopeful that justice will be served, and the accused individuals will be held accountable for their actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in real estate investments and the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before committing substantial sums to such projects.
In conclusion, the case of alleged fraud and deception in the Bhakti Meadows project highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the real estate sector. The victims, who trusted the accused individuals with their hard-earned money, are now left grappling with the harsh reality of being defrauded. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative for authorities to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly examined and the perpetrators are brought to justice to prevent similar scams in the future.
