Malad businessman duped of Rs 26 lakh in fake MHADA flat scam; one arrested

Representation pic

The dream of owning a discounted MHADA flat turned into a Rs 26 lakh nightmare for a Malad-based businessman after two men allegedly impersonated MHADA officials, forged documents, and made promises of insider access before vanishing. Nearly three years later, the Dindoshi police have arrested one of the accused, Sujit Dattaram Chavan, a resident of Borivli West, while the search for his alleged accomplice, Afzal Payak is underway.

Mira Rd flats

The complainant, Manish Agarwal, 51, first came in contact with Payak in July 2023, when he joined his company. Police said Payak won Agarwal's confidence by claiming he had close links with MHADA and could arrange flats. Payak introduced Agarwal to Chavan, presenting him as a serving MHADA officer. Chavan told Agarwal that he can allot flats in the New Sky Line MHADA project in Mira Road East for Rs 55 lakh each, which are worth around Rs 80 lakh each. Agarwal agreed to purchase two flats.

Deal sealed

To convince Agarwal further, the accused allegedly agreed to execute an Agreement Promissory Note on July 17, 2023. The document mentioned Flat Nos. A-1906 and A-2006 in the project and bore Chavan's signature. Agarwal transferred Rs 26 lakh as an advance.

Vanished

Police said Payak resigned from Agarawal's company in 2024 and vanished. Realising he had been duped, Agarwal approached the cops.