Rs 80 lakh paid, no possession; Andheri developer booked for cheating

Subsequent checks revealed that the flat in Andheri had already been sold in 2019. Representation pic/itsock

An NRI homemaker has accused a city-based developer of cheating her out of Rs 80 lakh by selling the same flat to another buyer after taking full payment. An FIR has been registered at the Oshiwara police station for cheating and criminal breach of trust.

The complainant, Fazila Akil Mustri, 44, niece of fashion designer Riyaz Gangji, said she invested in a flat at the Royal Green SRA Residential Project in Marol, Andheri East, after making full payment between 2015 and 2016. Despite repeated follow-ups, she neither received possession nor a registered sale agreement.

The issue resurfaced in December 2023 when the developer allegedly acknowledged receipt of the entire amount and assured possession, which did not materialise. Subsequent checks revealed that the flat had already been sold in 2019. After multiple failed assurances and a bounced cheque, the complainant approached the police. "I have also filed complaints in this regard with MahaRERA and other concerned departments," said Gangji.

Responding, the developer, Sameer Bhubhe, denied the allegations, claiming only Rs 55 lakh was received, possession of one flat was already given, and that the complainants must either pay the balance with a penalty or take back the amount paid.

Case details

>> Flat in Royal Green SRA Project, Marol
>> Total amount paid: Rs 80 lakh
>> Rs 45 lakh via bank transactions; Rs 35 lakh allegedly in cash
>> Allotment letter dated April 13, 2016

What they said

Police Speak
>> FIR registered at the Oshiwara police station
>> Notices to be issued to the accused and associates
>> Investigation initiated

Riyaz Gangji says
>> Complaints also filed with MahaRERA and other authorities
>> Builder promised a buyback but stopped responding
>> Demands strict action to prevent similar frauds

Accused
>> Case registered against six persons, including developer Sameer Bhubhe

Rs 35L
Amount the complainant paid in cash