In a case of real estate fraud, the Kurar Police have arrested an office-bearer of a private trust for allegedly cheating a doctor of around ₹65 lakh by luring him with the promise of a 3BHK flat at a discounted rate near the Western Express Highway in Malad.
The arrested accused has been identified as Brijesh Girjashankar Yadav alias Pintu Yadav, who has been remanded to police custody by a court. His associate, Santosh Yadav alias Sahil Ghane, is currently absconding, and a search operation is underway to trace him.
According to the police, both accused posed as office-bearers of the “Mahendra Hi-Tech Education and Charitable Trust” and allegedly duped victims by offering flats at concessional rates through the trust. Investigations have revealed that they used the trust as a front to carry out the fraud.
The complainant, a 33-year-old doctor residing in the Kurar Village area of Malad, came into contact with the accused in September 2023. The duo reportedly told him that their trust was involved in selling sanitary pads and had also facilitated affordable housing for several needy individuals. They offered to arrange a flat for him at a lower price.
Over time, the accused frequently visited the doctor’s clinic, gained his trust, and developed a friendly relationship. In November 2023, they informed him about a 3BHK flat available for sale in Alta Mount Tower near the Western Express Highway in Malad. They also promised assistance in securing a bank loan at a lower interest rate.
The doctor was taken to a flat on the 33rd floor of Wing A in the building, which the accused claimed would be sold to him. Trusting them, he paid ₹25 lakh in cash and transferred ₹40 lakh online, totalling ₹65 lakh.
However, despite repeated assurances, the accused failed to complete the registration of the flat. They began avoiding the complainant and stopped responding to his calls.
Growing suspicious, the doctor cancelled the deal and demanded a refund. When the accused neither returned the money nor responded to his calls—and eventually blocked him—the victim approached the Kurar Police and filed a complaint.
Following verification, the police registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against both accused. After the FIR was filed, the duo went into hiding.
During the ongoing investigation, Brijesh Yadav was apprehended on Sunday. His involvement in the crime was confirmed during interrogation, following which he was formally arrested. Efforts are underway to locate the absconding co-accused.
Police are also probing whether the accused have duped other individuals using a similar modus operandi of offering flats at discounted rates.