Jitesh Mehta of Mehta Builders Uses Fake Documents to Grab Girgaon Shops in Redevelopment Scam.

Mumbai Redevelopment Fraud: Builder Accused of Using Fake Documents to Seize Girgaon Shops

• Systematic Fraud Uncovered in Sadashiv Lane Redevelopment

• Fake Documentation and Illegal Allocations Uncovered

• Broader Pattern of Alleged Misconduct by Builder Emerges

A major redevelopment fraud has erupted in Girgaon, where builder Jitesh Mehta of Mehta Builders allegedly used fabricated documents to reassign commercial shops to outsiders. Long-time shop owners, including Chetan Kapadia, have been dispossessed despite raising complaints with MHADA. A Sprouts News investigation indicates a systematic scheme of document manipulation, illegal allocations and exploitation of regulatory loopholes, revealing broader misconduct patterns in Mumbai’s redevelopment ecosystem.

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Mumbai Redevelopment Scandal: Fake Documents Used to Hijack Girgaon Shops, Traders Face Ruin

A shocking redevelopment fraud has emerged in central Mumbai, where fraud builder Jitesh Mehta of Mehta Builders (Nakoda Mehta Sunshine Heights,
Near Sadashiv Lane, Girgaon, Mumbai – 400004.) allegedly used fabricated documents to illegally reassign commercial shops to outsiders. The scandal has left original business owners like Chetan Kapadia without livelihoods after decades of operation, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight in Mumbai’s real estate sector.

Sprouts News investigation reveals a systematic scheme targeting vulnerable property owners in the densely populated Girgaon area. This case exposes critical vulnerabilities in the redevelopment approval process that developers appear to be exploiting through document manipulation and false promises to original occupants.

Systematic Fraud Uncovered in Sadashiv Lane Redevelopment

Chetan Kapadia operated his imitation jewellery business for fifty-six years at Sadashiv Lane’s Kshatriya Bhavan building. Like many traders in the area, he agreed to participate in the building’s redevelopment project by fraud Mehta Developers approximately five years ago.

The developer reportedly showed Kapadia plans and provided verbal assurances that his shop would be returned in the same location after reconstruction. Based on these representations, Kapadia vacated his premises to facilitate the construction work.

“My business is now completely finished,” Kapadia told Sprouts News. “The developer promised my shop in the same location but used fake documents to give it to someone else.” The building construction now nears completion, revealing the betrayal.

Fake Documentation and Illegal Allocations Uncovered

Evidence gathered by our Special Investigation Team indicates that even before construction finished, Kapadia’s shop was illegally allocated to an outside party using fraudulent paperwork. The developer then attempted to offer Kapadia an alternative, unsuitable location on the first floor.

When Kapadia refused this inadequate replacement, the developer then demanded additional payment for what he called “fungible area” – extra space beyond the agreed-upon premises. This demand for extra funds came despite the developer having already reassigned Kapadia’s original legitimate space.

“This is a clear case of document manipulation and illegal allocation,” a legal expert familiar with such cases explained. “Using false documents to reassign premises constitutes criminal fraud under Indian law.” The scheme appears deliberately designed to dispossess original occupants.

Broader Pattern of Alleged Misconduct by Builder Emerges

Our investigation reveals this is not an isolated incident involving Jitesh Mehta Builders. Multiple previous complaints have been filed against the developer, indicating a potential pattern of behaviour.

A Marathi film actor, Manmohan Mahimkar, previously complained to authorities after the builder stopped his rental payments. The actor reportedly escalated his complaint to the highest levels of state government seeking resolution.

In another confirmed case, the developer attempted to take possession of properties belonging to two elderly women in Girgaon’s Bhatwadekar Wadi. The court ultimately rejected this attempt and protected the vulnerable residents.

These repeated incidents suggest systemic issues with the developer’s business practices. Multiple victims report similar experiences of promises made then broken through technicalities and document manipulation.

Also Read: Bombay HC Restrains New Indian Express Over Trademark Use.

Regulatory Failure and Administrative Delays Compound Injustice

Despite clear evidence of wrongdoing, Kapadia’s formal complaint to the MHADA office at Taddev Rajani Mahal has yielded little action. The government body responsible for regulating such developments appears slow to respond effectively.

MHADA’s Voice President Jayswal currently has the matter pending for hearing. This administrative delay leaves victims without recourse while the builder continues operations unimpeded.

Departmental MHADA officers appear to be deliberately passing even minor cases to Jayswal rather than addressing them directly. This creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for already distressed complainants.

“The officers are passing the buck instead of taking action,” Kapadia alleged. “This suggests they might have received financial benefits from the builder to ignore our complaints.” Such corruption allegations raise serious concerns about regulatory capture.

Broader Context: Document Fraud Plaguing Maharashtra Institutions

This Girgaon case reflects wider issues across Maharashtra where document manipulation enables financial crimes. Similar patterns emerge in unrelated sectors, indicating a broader systemic problem requiring urgent address.

The Charity Commissioner’s office has previously faced criticism for missing files from sensitive educational institutions. Critical documents mysteriously disappear, affecting case outcomes .

Such document manipulation cases cause significant hardship for legitimate claimants. One legal expert noted that missing or altered paperwork inevitably influences case results, often benefiting the opposing party .

In Jalgaon, similar documentation issues emerged regarding expired lease policies. There, traders attempted to use legal technicalities to extend expired leases under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act .

Legal Recourse and Next Steps for Affected Business Owners

Legal experts suggest that victims of such redevelopment fraud have several potential avenues for recourse. Filing formal criminal complaints for cheating and document fabrication represents the most immediate step.

Approaching the consumer court constitutes another option, as developers provide services to flat owners. The Consumer Protection Act offers remedies for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices.

“Documentation is crucial in such cases,” a legal expert advised. “Victims should gather all promises in writing, maintain communication records, and file formal complaints with appropriate authorities immediately upon detecting irregularities.”

For Kapadia and other affected business owners, the fight continues despite bureaucratic obstacles. Their case represents broader concerns about redevelopment governance in Mumbai, where powerful developers sometimes operate with impunity.

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team will continue monitoring this developing story and MHADA’s response to these serious allegations of fraud and administrative failure.

Public Alert: Guard Against Builder Fraud

Alert, Sprouts News readers! Vigilance is vital. Beware of fraudulent builders like Jitesh Mehta. If you are a victim, register a complaint with government authorities or contact our Editor-in-Chief, Unmesh Gujarathi. Your trust is our commitment.