MHADA Scam Exposes Jewellery Businessman Swindled of ₹6 Lakh

A 56-year-old jewellery businessman from Borivali East, Kantilal Mehta, finds himself embroiled in a distressing case of alleged fraud involving promises of a flat from the Chief Minister of Maharashtra’s quota in MHADA Colony, Powai. Mehta, along with two acquaintances, fell victim to a scheme orchestrated by two individuals, Nikhil Doshi and MHADA officer Vilas Chavan, according to a recent FIR filed on July 3.

The scam unfolded when Mehta, introduced to Doshi by a childhood friend, was enticed with claims of Doshi’s connections within MHADA. In July 2020, Doshi allegedly convinced Mehta to part with Rs6 lakh in cash, promising him two flats under the Chief Minister’s quota. Mehta, hopeful of securing homes for both himself and his son-in-law, was led to believe that initial payments and subsequent monthly instalments would secure possession within six months.

However, suspicions arose when Mehta received a document listing prospective flat recipients lacking the necessary officer signatures, prompting him to question the legitimacy of the transaction. Further inquiries revealed that Doshi and Chavan had allegedly misled Mehta and others with false promises and forged documents. Compounding the issue, Chavan reportedly returned a portion of the money to one victim but failed to reimburse Mehta and another associate. Faced with mounting evidence of deceit, Mehta proceeded to file a formal complaint with the Kandivali police, invoking sections under the Indian Penal Code related to breach of trust, cheating, and forgery. The incident underscores the vulnerability of individuals to fraudulent schemes promising government-affiliated benefits, exploiting trust and financial investments for personal gain. Authorities are now investigating the matter to ascertain the extent of the alleged fraud and to bring those responsible to justice.