Nagpur Trader Cheated of ₹11.5 Lakh in Elaborate Land Scam
A 28-year-old construction material trader from Nagpur has become the latest victim of a sophisticated land fraud, losing a substantial sum of ₹11.5 lakh to a group of four accused. The Gittikhadan police have officially registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.
The Modus Operandi of the Accused
The complainant, identified as Vaibhav Lichde, a resident of Khadgaon Road, was approached by the accused with an attractive offer. They claimed they could sell him two plots located within a private layout of a cooperative housing society. Lured by the proposition, Lichde engaged with the group.
The accused, named in the police FIR as Vipul Thakre (28), Akshay Bhagat (34), Sheetal Manekar (42), and Shashikala Parteki (56), allegedly prepared and presented fake documents to legitimize the sale. Based on these forged papers, Lichde proceeded to pay them the total amount of ₹11.50 lakh.
Discovery of the Fraud and Police Action
The scam unraveled when the victim decided to visit the site of his purported new plots. Neighbouring plot owners informed him that the land actually belonged to someone else entirely. This alarming revelation prompted Lichde to conduct an official verification at the sub-registrar's office, which confirmed his worst fears—the documents were indeed fraudulent and the sale was a sham.
Despite repeated demands and confrontations, the four accused refused to return the cheated money, forcing Lichde to approach the authorities. The Gittikhadan police have registered a case and are currently investigating the intricate details of this real estate fraud. They are working to trace the accused and uncover the full extent of the forgery network.
A Cautionary Tale for Property Buyers
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks present in property transactions, especially in private deals. Police officials advise potential buyers to undertake extreme due diligence, which should always include:
- Physical verification of the property with neighbors and local authorities.
- Cross-checking all sale documents at the sub-registrar's office to confirm ownership and encumbrances.
- Dealing only through verified and registered channels.
The promise of a good deal in the real estate market can often blindside individuals, making them easy targets for such forged document scams. The investigation in Nagpur is ongoing, with efforts focused on recovering the lost funds and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
