Mumbai Police Book Two Bank Agents Over ₹1.35 Crore Flat Scam

A case of property fraud has been registered by the Sahar police in Mumbai, involving two bank agents who allegedly cheated a property seller and a prospective buyer in a ₹1.35 crore flat deal.

The complainant, Lionel Veloj, a 46-year-old resident of Wadala East, had purchased a three-bedroom flat in Dombivli in 2022 and decided to sell it in 2024. He came into contact with real estate agent Durgesh Singh, who introduced him to prospective buyer Rohit Nelson.

Nelson agreed to purchase the flat for ₹1.35 crore and initially paid Veloj ₹1 lakh as token money, followed by a few additional payments. During the transaction, Nelson and Durgesh allegedly introduced Ajay Singh and Sushant Singh to Veloj, claiming they were bank agents who would help with the financial formalities.

According to the complaint, the duo collected documents from Nelson and allegedly used forged papers to secure a loan from Union Bank of India's Andheri East branch in his name without his permission. They also allegedly opened an account in Veloj's name with Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd on P D'Mello Road without his knowledge or consent.

The police said ₹98 lakh was subsequently transferred into this account. Veloj told police that the accused had allegedly submitted forged documents bearing his fake signature to the banks in connection with the alleged transactions involved.

Following his complaint, the police registered a case against Ajay and Sushant on August 22 under Section 420 for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, along with other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

The case highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of documents and the credibility of individuals involved in property transactions. It also underscores the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with financial formalities, especially when large sums of money are involved.

The Mumbai police are investigating the matter, and the accused are yet to be arrested. The case is a reminder that property fraud can have serious consequences, and it is essential to take all necessary precautions to prevent such incidents.

In recent years, there have been several cases of property fraud reported in Mumbai, involving fake documents, unauthorized loans, and cheating. The city's real estate market is known for its complexity and unpredictability, making it vulnerable to such scams.

The police have advised property buyers and sellers to be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals and to verify the authenticity of documents before proceeding with any transaction. They have also urged anyone with information about the accused to come forward and assist in the investigation.

The case is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat property fraud in Mumbai, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the city's real estate market.

The incident serves as a reminder to the public to be vigilant and cautious when engaging in property transactions, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

In conclusion, the Mumbai police have taken a significant step in combating property fraud by registering a case against the two bank agents. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused are yet to be arrested. The case highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of documents and the credibility of individuals involved in property transactions, and it serves as a reminder to the public to be vigilant and cautious when engaging in such transactions.