Mumbai: The property cell of the crime branch arrested a UK-based businessman for allegedly duping actor Jaaved Jaaferi and his wife, Habiba, of around Rs 17.5 crore by promising high returns on their investments and property allotment in a redevelopment scheme. A BMC assistant commissioner has also been named as accused, along with three others.
The FIR was lodged at Khar police station and the property cell took over the probe. The businessman, Nishit Patel, has been remanded in police custody till May 19.
As per the complaint, Habiba learnt about the redevelopment project during a visit to the BMC office, where assistant commissioner Mahesh Patil allegedly introduced her to the investment opportunity and encouraged her to invest through Patel. She claimed that Patil, currently posted at BMC’s K-West ward office, pressured her and her family members into investing substantial amounts in the project.
The complainant alleged that fake govt registration documents were prepared and shown as genuine to gain the confidence of investors, including Jaaved Jaaferi, brother Naved Jaaferi, Osman Khan, Happiness Investments, Lonzy Fernandes and Shabana Fernandes. Officials said the promised properties were never handed over and the invested funds were allegedly misappropriated.
S Ahmed Ali, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumba...
Read MoreS Ahmed Ali, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai, covers crime and related isues but sometimes he also takes up offbeat subjects. His interests: automobiles particularly bikes, and gymming.
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