In a significant crackdown on fraud, the Mumbai Crime Branch’s cyber police arrested two individuals on Saturday for allegedly setting up a fake MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) portal. The duo promised unsuspecting individuals houses, ultimately cheating them out of over Rs50 lakh.
The arrested suspects are Kalpesh Sevak, who created the fraudulent website, and Amol Patel, who impersonated a MHADA officer. The case was registered at BKC police station last week after officials received a complaint regarding a man who had been duped of Rs50,000, revealing that several others had also lost money.
MHADA frequently releases a list of properties available through its housing lottery at discounted rates. Just a week prior to the arrests, MHADA announced details for the 2024 lottery on its official site, prompting the accused to launch a look-alike website.
Kalpesh Sevak, who has a history of similar offenses—having been charged with cheating in 2015 at Bhoiwada police station—was apprehended first. After his interrogation, Amol Patel was also arrested for posing as a legitimate MHADA official. Both suspects have been remanded to police custody until August 24.
According to police reports, multiple victims fell prey to the scam by making payments through the fraudulent website’s link. The modus operandi involved “agents” who would approach potential buyers seeking MHADA flats at reduced prices, directing them to Patel, who promised access to the MHADA lottery.
The investigation continues, and authorities believe there may be additional individuals involved in this extensive scam.