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.