BMC Employee Scammed of ₹22.7 Lakh in MHADA Flat Fraud in Mumbai

In 2021, a BMC employee from Mulund was scammed out of ₹22.7 lakh by an individual posing as an MHADA official. The accused, Jitendra More, claimed to operate an agency named Hridyan Enterprises, which he falsely represented as being authorized by MHADA to facilitate housing purchases. The victim, after meeting More through a mutual friend in 2018, was convinced to forgo a home loan and instead pay the amount directly to him for a flat in Gavanpada, Mulund (East). From March 2021 to September 2022, the complainant made multiple payments totaling ₹22.75 lakh, believing that the flat was being prepared for her. However, after a prolonged wait without updates, she visited the site only to find that the apartment had already been allocated to another family by MHADA. Upon confrontation, More acknowledged his deceit and promised to refund the money. Despite issuing six cheques between 2022 and 2023, all bounced due to insufficient funds. This led the victim to file a complaint with the Navghar police, who have since initiated a manhunt for More, a resident of Kadampada in Mulund (West). The police have charged him with cheating, highlighting the growing issue of fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting homebuyers. This incident underscores the vulnerability of individuals seeking affordable housing and the need for increased vigilance and verification when dealing with housing agencies. The case serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in real estate transactions, particularly in a market where scams are prevalent.