Delhi couple held in Ahmedabad for duping 350 people in plot scam

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police recently made an arrest in a case involving a couple, Shailender and Vijaylaxmi Tiwari, who are accused of defrauding hundreds of investors through their fraudulent real estate firm. The couple's modus operandi involved dealing in the sale and purchase of unauthorized properties, targeting vulnerable individuals seeking affordable housing options. The victims, totalling around 300-350, lodged a complaint with the police after realizing they had been duped by Tiwari Buildtech Private Ltd.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (EOW), Vikram K Porwal, the victims were enticed by Tiwari Buildtech Private Ltd's advertisements offering plots at low prices. These victims, many of whom belonged to lower-income groups, paid the required amount to the accused but never received any confirmed registry information for their purchased plots. As investigations progressed, it was revealed that the accused had collected a significant sum of up to Rs 2.5 crore from the victims and then intentionally delayed the proceedings under various pretexts, thereby avoiding contact with their clients.

To perpetrate their fraudulent activities, the couple sold land acquired from farmers without adhering to legal formalities. Plots located in areas such as Sonipat, Narela, and Loni were sold without the necessary land-use changes from agricultural to residential purposes. Furthermore, several victims who made cash payments were not provided with any receipts, exacerbating the difficulty in seeking legal recourse or proving their investments.

Upon receiving the complaint, the police swiftly registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and conducted raids at suspected hideouts, including the couple's residence in Gorakhpur. However, the accused managed to evade capture and went on the run. After an extensive investigation, the police finally traced them to Ahmedabad, where they were apprehended. Currently, the accused are in custody remand, and further investigation into their activities is underway.

In light of this incident, the police have issued a warning to the public, advising them to verify the ownership details of any land they intend to invest in through government or Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) agencies. This precautionary measure aims to prevent individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and encourages them to exercise due diligence before making any financial commitments.

While this case highlights the importance of exercising caution when engaging in real estate transactions, it also sheds light on the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking affordable housing options. The accused couple preyed on the aspirations and limited financial resources of lower-income groups, exploiting their desire for a better future. Such acts of fraud not only cause financial losses but also erode trust in the real estate sector and impede economic growth.

Next (In violation of insolvency proceedings, NCLT nullifies sale of flats by Rashmi Housing promoters)

Delhi couple held in Ahmedabad for duping 350 people in plot scam

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