Mumbai Police Arrest Fraudsters in Fake MHADA Flat Racket: A Wake-Up Call for Homebuyers

In a major breakthrough, the Malad police have arrested two wanted fraudsters, Satish Sureshrao Jadhav and Mahadev Pandharinath Bodhale, accused of duping a businessman by falsely promising affordable MHADA flats. Their associates, Sachin Suresh Dhuri and Yogesh Pandurang Pote, are also implicated in the case. Investigations reveal that the group extracted nearly ₹1.02 crore from the complainant, a jeweller from Kalbadevi, under the guise of securing flats in Parel and Dadar.

The Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Scheme

Five years ago, the accused lured the businessman with offers of MHADA flats at below-market prices. After collecting large sums of money, they failed to deliver possession and attempted to pacify the complainant with a cheque that later bounced. The fraudulent scheme eventually came to light, prompting the businessman to file a complaint with Malad police. Following extensive investigation, two of the key accused are now in custody, with further inquiries underway.
 

Key Accused Arrested, Probe Continues

The case involves four accused persons — Satish Sureshrao Jadhav, Mahadev Pandharinath Bodhale, Sachin Suresh Dhuri, and Yogesh Pandurang Pote — who allegedly duped a jeweller from Kalbadevi, residing in Malad. They promised to provide MHADA flats in the sought-after areas of Parel and Dadar, convincing the victim to part with ₹1 crore and ₹2 lakh. While two of the accused have now been arrested, the investigation into the fraud is still ongoing.
 

A Larger Lesson: Awareness and Verification

While the arrests are a step toward justice, this case underscores the importance of vigilance in real estate transactions. Fraudsters often misuse the credibility of institutions like MHADA to mislead unsuspecting citizens. The authority, under the stewardship of IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, consistently urges homebuyers to verify all information only through MHADA’s official website and authorized communication channels before making any financial commitments.

Constructive Takeaway
 

Instead of viewing this incident solely as a case of fraud, it should serve as a public awareness milestone. As Mumbai continues to urbanize and demand for affordable housing grows, strengthening trust in institutions is crucial. MHADA’s mission remains focused on transparency, fairness, and providing genuine opportunities for homeownership. Citizens, in turn, must embrace due diligence to ensure their aspirations are not exploited by fraudulent elements.