Mumbai: In yet another case of financial fraud, a 75-year-old senior citizen and estate agent from Ghatkopar has fallen victim to a Rs 22 lakh fraud after being lured by the promise of a low-cost flat in Khandeshwar, Panvel.
The accused, identified as Mahendra Gurunath Shete, a resident of Siddhivinayak Bungalow, Sector 12, New Panvel, has been booked by the Ghatkopar police for cheating and breach of trust.
According to the police complaint, the victim, Ajit Mahadev Pavaskar, who resides with his wife, Sampada,70, in Barve Nagar, Ghatkopar West, was approached by Shete in April 2016.
Shete, who was known to Pavaskar from their earlier dealings in the real estate sector, claimed he could secure a flat in Khandeshwar, Panvel, at a significantly lower price. He promised that the deal would be completed within three months.
Over a period between April and June 2016, Pavaskar handed over Rs22 lakh — including Rs13 lakh raised from selling his wife's gold ornaments and Rs9 lakh taken as a loan from a credit society. However, even after several years, neither the promised flat nor a refund was provided.
When no flat was handed over by February 2018, Pavaskar demanded his money back. In response, Shete gave a handwritten assurance and issued two post-dated cheques — one for Rs10 lakh dated May 11, 2018, and another for Rs12 lakh dated March 7, 2020. Both cheques bounced when deposited.
Despite repeated follow-ups, Pavaskar received neither the money nor the property. He finally lodged a formal complaint with the Ghatkopar police, leading to the registration of an FIR under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust). The police are currently investigating the matter.
