Property agent accuses Mumbai builder’s partner of duping him of Rs35 lakh

FIR was filed on Friday under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code

Acting on a complaint filed by a real estate agent from Andheri, officials from MIDC police station registered a first information report (FIR) against a developer for duping him to the tune of Rs35 lakh. The FIR was filed on Friday under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

The agent claims he struck a deal with the firm for purchasing 17 flats for which he made an advance payment of Rs8 crore. (HT file photo)

In his complaint, Hemant Gupta told the police that he struck a deal with a local developer in 2007 — in whose firm the accused is a partner — pertaining redevelopment of a ground plus seven-storeyed building in the area.

“I made a deal with the builders of purchasing 17 flats. It has been nine years and even after the building is ready, they are unwilling to make an agreement and hand over the flats. I have made an advance payment of about Rs8 crore for these flats,” said Gupta.

An officer from MIDC police station said Hemant told them that after striking the deal, the accused approached and requested him to make a partial payment directly to her, as she is one of the partners in the firm, following which Gupta paid her Rs35 lakh.

The cops said they are probing the case from all possible angles to verify the allegations. No arrest has been made so far.