In a major crackdown on a housing scam, six individuals—including two couples—have been arrested for duping over 200 people out of Rs5 crore through fake house allotment orders purportedly from the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (formerly Slum Clearance Board).
The case came to light after Muthulakshmi, a resident of Anna Nagar, filed a complaint stating she had paid Rs3.5 lakh for a housing unit and received a forged allotment order bearing counterfeit government seals and stamps.
Investigations revealed that more than 200 victims were similarly defrauded over several years. The accused, posing as intermediaries with government connections, promised housing units once construction was complete. Victims were led to believe that they would receive keys during an official handover ceremony. However, after prolonged delays and excuses, many realized the scam and approached authorities.
Following an inquiry by the Forgery Investigation Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB), led by Assistant Commissioner M Gayathri and Inspector M Sheejarani, police arrested:
Baranitharan (46) and his wife Ravathi (40) of Ayanavaram
Rohini Priya (49) of Chetpet
Abdul Nasser (40) of GKM Colony, Villivakkam
Gajendran (38) and his wife Chamundeeshwari (39) of Ambattur
During a raid at Gajendran’s home, police seized forged government seals, stamps, and other fraudulent documents. The couple was remanded to judicial custody on the same day.
Officials have urged any other potential victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
