In a significant breakthrough, two individuals were arrested in connection with a multi-crore real estate scam in Navi Mumbai, where a businessman was duped into purchasing land illegally sold from CIDCO , a Maharashtra government development agency. The arrested individuals have been identified as Muazzam Maqsood Bhaiji and Ibrahim Bhaiji.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Navi Mumbai Police made the arrests after it was revealed that the accused forged land documents to facilitate the illegal sale of CIDCO-owned land to the victim. The police have also pointed out that employees from both CIDCO and the Revenue Department may have played a role in aiding the crime, and investigations into their involvement are ongoing.
The case surfaced when Vinay Chawla, a businessman, lodged a complaint after discovering that he had been defrauded of Rs 18 crore. According to officials, the fraudsters used fake documentation to convince Chawla to purchase the land, which had no legal standing. The fraudulent deal came to light following an intense investigation, which is now expanding to include other possible suspects.
While one of the accused’s associates is reported to have died, police are continuing to search for additional individuals who might be involved in this elaborate scam. The investigation has widened to examine the role of government officials, with several arrests still anticipated as the case progresses.
