Former Lodha Developers Officer Arrested in Major Land Fraud Case
The Mumbai City Crime Branch has made a significant arrest in a high-profile real estate fraud case, apprehending a former business development officer of Lodha Developers. The accused, identified as Shivaji Govindrao Jadhav (55), was allegedly involved in a conspiracy with previously arrested director Rajendra Lodha and other absconding individuals to illegally manipulate land agreements for personal financial gain.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The case revolves around alleged fraudulent activities committed against Lodha Developers Ltd, which was formerly known as Macrotech Developers Ltd and is a publicly listed real estate company. According to police investigations, the conspiracy aimed to illegally cancel a land share agreement and transfer company-linked land, resulting in substantial financial losses estimated at approximately Rs 15.74 crore.
The complaint was formally filed by Monil Gala, who serves as the head liaison at Lodha Developers. Gala alleged that multiple accused persons collaborated in a scheme to cancel land agreements unlawfully and transfer properties for their personal benefit, thereby causing significant wrongful loss to the company.
Chronology of the Alleged Crime
Police authorities claim that in 2020, Shivaji Jadhav, in collusion with co-accused Rajendra Lodha and others, facilitated the cancellation of a share agreement for land parcels located at Mouje Sarang village in Bhiwandi. This land, measuring around 7,870 square meters, had been originally acquired by Lodha Developers during 2007–08.
Investigations reveal that the land was allegedly transferred to acquaintances and relatives of Jadhav through fresh agreements. This transfer is said to have been executed without proper authorization, leading to the substantial financial detriment of the company. Furthermore, police allege that Jadhav later transferred a portion of this land to his son and an associate. Subsequently, the land was sold to another individual in 2025, allegedly in an attempt to conceal the transaction after Jadhav became aware of an internal probe initiated by the company.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Shivaji Jadhav had been evading arrest since October of this year, making him a wanted accused in the case. His recent apprehension marks a crucial development in the ongoing investigation. Earlier, in December 2025, the Crime Branch had already filed a chargesheet against Rajendra Lodha and nine other accused individuals involved in the same case.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials have seized several electronic devices, including mobile phones, hard disks, DVRs, and voice recordings. These items are expected to provide further evidence and insights into the intricate details of the alleged fraud.
The total loss incurred by Lodha Developers due to these activities is estimated to be around Rs 15.74 crore, highlighting the severe financial impact of the fraudulent scheme. The arrest of Jadhav is seen as a pivotal step towards unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy and ensuring that justice is served in this complex real estate fraud case.
