Builders Booked for Alleged Cheating and Forgery in Kondhwa, Pune
Accusations of Delayed Possession and Additional Charges
On Saturday, the Kondhwa police arrested two builders from Mumbai along with nine of their associates. The arrests were made in response to allegations of accepting money from buyers while failing to deliver apartment keys within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Applicable Laws and Charges
- The builders have been booked under the following laws:
- Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA)
- Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act
- Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Rules
- Cheating and Forgery sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
The Complaint
Mahavir Pawar, a resident of Balajinagar, lodged the complaint against the builders in Tilekagarnagar, Kondhwa. Pawar expressed his frustration, stating that the booking process was not straightforward and was only finalized after mediation by Praveen Dixit, State Director-General of Police.
Pawar's Plight
- Pawar had sold his previous flat in Balajinagar and had secured a bank loan for the new flat.
- Despite not receiving possession of the new flat on time, Pawar is obligated to pay EMIs on the loan and rent for his current residence.
- Pawar feels he has been left homeless.
Additional Grievances
- Builders are allegedly harassing residents who have taken possession of their apartments.
- Residents have been presented with drafts demanding extra charges for water tankers and other services, totaling an additional Rs 1.5 lakh.
- Pawar mentioned that the scheme's name was changed after he booked the flat.
- Residents are struggling with the financial burden of heavy EMIs and taxes.
Police Response
- On Saturday, the Kondhwa police station, under Senior Inspector Satish Govekar, booked the offense under MOFA.
- Inspector Govekar confirmed that an inquiry into the matter has commenced.