Ruparel Iris Redevelopment Scam
• Mumbai Senior Citizens Cheated of ₹1.22 Crore, Await Justice
• MHADA vs Builder: Three Official Orders Ignored Without Consequence
• Police Inaction: FIR Delay and Allegations of Flat Double-Selling
- Ruparel Iris Redevelopment Scam
- • Mumbai Senior Citizens Cheated of ₹1.22 Crore, Await Justice
- • MHADA vs Builder: Three Official Orders Ignored Without Consequence
- • Police Inaction: FIR Delay and Allegations of Flat Double-Selling
- Ruparel Iris Redevelopment Scam: Mumbai Senior Citizens Await Justice,₹1.22Crore Rent dues Withheld
- MHADA’s Orders Ignored, Mahim Stn Police Inaction Exposed
An elderly Mumbai couple, Sunanda (80) and Yashwant Sawant (84), await their rehab flat and ₹1.22 crore in rent from builder Amit Mahendra Ruparel for nine years. Despite a registered Permanent Accommodation Agreement and three official MHADA orders, builder Amit Mahendra Ruparel has failed to hand over their promised flat or pay ₹1.22 crore in rent arrears. The ordeal, now spanning over 13 years, exposes systemic builder impunity, police inaction, and the neglect of senior citizens trapped in Mumbai’s redevelopment maze.
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Ruparel Iris Redevelopment Scam: Mumbai Senior Citizens Await Justice,₹1.22Crore Rent dues Withheld
In a shocking case of developer apathy and systemic failure, an elderly Mumbai couple faces a relentless battle for their rightful home. Sunanda Sawant (80) and Yashwant Sawant (84) are yet to receive possession of their promised apartment in the Ruparel Iris building, 13 year going on after its redevelopment began, with a staggering ₹1.22 crore in pending rent dues from the builder.
The ordeal began in 2013 when builder Amit Mahendra Ruparel of Ruparel Realty took over the redevelopment of Nair Mahal in Matunga, where the Sawants had invested their life’s savings. A Permanent Accommodation Agreement was registered, promising a new flat and monthly rent within a 3-4 year timeline. While rent was paid initially, payments ceased entirely after 2016-17, forcing the senior citizens to relocate and deplete their savings.
MHADA’s Orders Ignored, Mahim Stn Police Inaction Exposed
The Sawants’ quest for justice has reached the highest echelons of power, from the Chief Minister’s office to the Prime Minister. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has issued three direct orders against the builder, all of which have been blatantly disregarded.
1. First Order: Directing the builder to provide the flat and clear dues.
2. Second Order: Mandating the registration of an FIR under IPC sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) for non-compliance Order: (March 2024):
Despite these clear directives, the builder has faced zero consequences. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) found that police delayed filing the FIR for over three months after receiving the order from MHADA. Even after registration, no actionable progress has been made.
Also Read: Mohit Kamboj, BJP Leader Named in Rs 800 Crore Juhu Land Scam Allegations.
Related Article: Kandivali Ruparel Optima Buyers Cry Foul Over MahaRERA–Builder Nexus.
Flat Allegedly Sold, Builder Enjoys Impunity
Disturbingly, the flat originally allotted to the Sawants (No. 1303) was allegedly sold to a third party by the builder. This serious allegation of double-selling, provided by the Sawants to the police, has also been met with silence, raising questions about the builder’s impunity.
In a strong move on 27th May 2025, MHADA issued 3rd Order explicitly stating that the builder’s should give Mrs.Sunanda Yashwant Sawant, within 7days time 2bhk flat and Dues immediately or else his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) should be revoked for failing to provide the flat and clear dues. This order was pasted on the building itself, yet the builder’s NOC remains active, and construction continues unabated.
Systemic Failure and Life Threats: A Deeper Investigation
The case exposes a severe breakdown in the regulatory framework designed to protect tenants. Key questions remain unanswered:
• Why has MHADA not enforced its own orders and revoked the builder’s NOC?
• Why is the Mumbai Police inactive on a court-directed FIR?
• Is there a powerful nexus protecting the builder from accountability?
The Sawants’ plight is not isolated. The Sprouts News Investigation Team has learned that hundreds of former residents of Nair Mahal face similar issues, with crores in withheld dues.The emotional and financial toll has been devastating; Mr. Sawant suffered two heart attacks, and the family has incurred massive debts, including ₹11 lakh for his angioplasty.
The family has repeatedly warned of extreme steps, including suicide, if justice is not delivered. They have also alleged life threats from the builder and claimed close financial ties between Amit Ruparel and MHADA Chairman Vinod Ghosalkar.
The Final Demand: Justice for Senior Citizens
The Sawants, supported by local residents, have a clear and urgent demand:
1. Immediate criminal action against Amit Mahendra Ruparel under relevant IPC sections.
2. Blacklisting of Ruparel Realty and cancellation of all its permits.
3. Immediate payment of all pending dues and possession of their rightful home.
This case is a critical test for Maharashtra’s housing regulatory system. It underscores the urgent need for accountability to ensure powerful builders cannot exploit citizens, especially the most vulnerable, with absolute impunity.
