Panvel Land Deal Turns Sour, BJP Insider Faces Fraud Allegations.

BJP Protocol Secretary Accused of Multi-Crore Fraud Using Ministers’ Names

Serious allegations of multi-crore financial fraud have surfaced against a Mumbai BJP Protocol Department Secretary, accused of misusing senior ministers’ names to gain investor trust. The controversy stems from a ₹7.10 crore Panvel land deal where funds were transferred via RTGS, but payments allegedly failed to materialise. The case raises troubling questions about political influence, financial transparency, and accountability within party-linked networks.

Sources indicate the accused arranged meetings with senior Maharashtra BJP leaders and ministers, allegedly leveraging political influence to gain trust before orchestrating large-scale financial and land-related frauds.

Panvel Land Deal Triggers Allegations of Financial Misconduct

The controversy centres around a 100-guntha land parcel in Adivali village, Panvel taluka, Maharashtra, bearing Survey Numbers 137, 138/A/1, and 138/A/2, valued at approximately ₹7.10 crore.

The proposal was allegedly brought to investor Kiran Singh by BJP protocol secretary Santosh Dayashankar Pandey and associate Shamshuddin Islam Shaikh, according to documents reviewed by investigators.

To facilitate the transaction, a meeting was arranged with Maharashtra’s Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on 3 October 2025 at Santacruz, Mumbai.

Pandey, Seema Singh, Shamshuddin Shaikh, and Kiran Singh were present at the meeting, where the land acquisition framework and financial commitments were reportedly finalised.

RTGS Transfers and Disputed Ownership Structure

As per the agreement, the 100-guntha land was purchased jointly by Kiran Singh, Shamshuddin Shaikh, Maitreya Patel, and Prakash Dabange through registered sale deeds.

Fifty gunthas were registered in Santosh Pandey’s name, for which ₹3.55 crore was transferred via RTGS by Neetiraj D. Singh and Devendra Meghji Devda.

The remaining ₹3.55 crore for the other fifty gunthas was paid by Maitreya Patel and Prakash Dabange directly to landowners, completing registration under three names.

Despite two months passing since registration, Pandey allegedly failed to pay any amount and stopped responding to calls after 10 March 2025, raising strong suspicions of deliberate fraud.

Threats, Intimidation, and a Second Disputed Deal

Investigators state that Pandey later summoned Kiran Singh and Shamshuddin Shaikh near Sai Hotel, Panvel, where he allegedly issued death threats inside his vehicle.

In another incident, Pandey allegedly persuaded Mitesh Patel to enter a land deal through Stone Age India Pvt. Ltd, securing ₹25 lakh as token money.

Despite receiving the token amount, no agreement was executed, and Pandey again became unreachable, prompting affected parties to prepare formal criminal complaints.

Political Patronage and Questions Over BJP Protocol Appointments

In November 2024, Mumbai BJP constituted a dedicated protocol department to manage visiting national leaders, appointing Santosh Pandey as Mumbai Division Head.

Sources claim Pandey had a history of leveraging BJP’s name for personal gain, with complaints reportedly reaching senior leaders even before his protocol appointment.

Despite multiple allegations and previous police cases, Pandey allegedly continued to enjoy political protection, frequently appearing in photographs with senior BJP leaders.

Also Read: ₹2,000 Cr Trust Land Dispute: Who Failed to Stop Poddar?

Related Article: BJP Mumbai Protocol Office Linked to Forged Job Scam.

Suspicion Over Fake Advocate Degree and Criminal Background

Records indicate serious cases were earlier registered against Pandey at Vikhroli Police Station, but FIRs were lodged only after court intervention.

Investigative findings suggest Pandey failed Class 10 but began using the “Advocate” title last year, raising suspicions of a forged or illegally obtained legal degree.

Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has indicated that a formal complaint seeking verification of his advocate credentials will be submitted to concerned authorities.

Job Scam, Forged Documents, and Court-Ordered FIRs

Another complainant, Akash Gagat from Vikhroli, alleged Pandey extorted over ₹36 lakh by promising a railway job using forged appointment letters and fake official seals.

Following judicial directions, police registered FIRs against Pandey and twelve others under IPC Sections 420, 465, 468, 471, and 34 for cheating and forgery.

Demand for Immediate Expulsion and Independent Probe

Victims and BJP workers have demanded Pandey’s immediate removal, warning that continued inaction risks damaging the party’s credibility and public trust.

Sources further allege political pressure is limiting investigative progress, intensifying calls for an independent probe into misuse of political power and organised financial fraud.

Public Alert | Citizens’ Appeal

If you know or encounter fraudsters like Santosh Dayashankar Pandey, immediately inform your nearest local police station without delay. Vigilant citizen reporting helps prevent further victims.

If you believe your complaint is being ignored or needs investigative support, contact Unmesh Gujarathi, investigative journalist, and the Sprouts News team. We stand committed to exposing wrongdoing and assisting victims in the public interest.