In a shocking incident that highlights the vulnerabilities faced by tenants in India's IT capital, a Bengaluru professional has been left high and dry after his landlord vanished with a substantial security deposit of ₹1.5 lakh.
The Disappearing Act
Mohammed Sohail, a software professional working in Bengaluru, rented a flat in the upscale Purva Palm Beach society in Whitefield. Like millions of tenants across the city, he paid a security deposit of ₹1.5 lakh - a standard practice in Bengaluru's competitive rental market.
However, when Sohail decided to vacate the property after his tenancy period ended, his landlord, identified as Sharan Goud, pulled off a perfect disappearing act. Despite multiple attempts to contact him through calls and messages, Goud remained completely unreachable.
A Trail of Broken Promises
"The landlord initially promised to return the deposit amount within a week of vacating the flat," Sohail recounted in his police complaint. "But when I tried to contact him after moving out, his phone was switched off and he became completely inaccessible."
What makes this case particularly concerning is that Sohail had maintained the property in excellent condition throughout his tenancy. There were no damages or outstanding dues that could justify withholding the security deposit.
Police Intervention Sought
Left with no other recourse, Sohail approached the Whitefield police station and filed a formal complaint against Sharan Goud. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to locate the absconding landlord and recover the stolen deposit amount.
A Growing Problem in Bengaluru
This incident is not isolated. Bengaluru's booming rental market has seen numerous cases where landlords either partially deduct or completely withhold security deposits under flimsy pretexts. Common excuses include:
- Minor wear and tear being labeled as "damages"
- Excessive cleaning charges
- Unsubstantiated maintenance costs
- Delayed return processing
Protecting Yourself as a Tenant
Legal experts suggest several precautions tenants can take to avoid similar situations:
- Document Everything: Take timestamped photographs and videos of the property during move-in and move-out
- Written Agreements: Ensure all terms regarding security deposit return are clearly mentioned in the rental agreement
- Proper Receipts: Always obtain signed receipts for security deposit payments
- Witness Presence: Have a witness present during the final property inspection
- Legal Awareness: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights under local laws
This case serves as a stark reminder for the thousands of professionals migrating to Bengaluru each year to exercise caution while navigating the city's rental landscape. As the investigation continues, many hope it will set a precedent for better protection of tenant rights in India's silicon valley.
