Builder cheats buyer of ₹1.75 crore, held

THE BUYER HAD PAID THE MONEY IN 2010 FOR 3 FLATS, BUT THE BUILDER CUT OFF ALL COMMUNICATION WITH HIM WITHOUT RETURNING HIS MONEY

MUMBAI: The Vanrai police have lodged a first information report (FIR) against a builder in Goregaon (East) for allegedly duping a flat buyer of ₹1.75 crore under the pretext of selling him three flats in Mumbai.

The police said they are examining the documents pertaining to the deal submitted by the buyer.

According to Vanrai police, the complainant Dinesh Aagaskar, 54, met the builder on April 1, 2010, at the latter’s office in Virvani Industrial estate, Goregaon (East). The builder took ₹1.75 crore through banking transactions and promised to sell him three flats in Mumbai.

However, even after a long wait of eight years, the buyer did not receive the flats. The builder cut off all communication with him and had not returned the money paid by the buyer.

A first information report (FIR) was registered against builder — who the police has refused to name — last week under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 409 (Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

Senior inspector Jyotsana Rasam of Vanrai police station said, “We are examining the documents and will initiate appropriate action. As the probe is in a nascent stage, we cannot divulge any further details.”

The police also said apart from the complainant, no other victim has come forward against this builder. They said they are finding out if the builder has a prior record of duping flat buyers.