Duped in Broad Daylight: Senior Clerk Loses ₹60 Lakh to Fraudulent MHADA Agent

Mumbai: A 56-year-old woman, M Pitale, employed as a senior divisional clerk at BEST Logistics Office in Chembur, was allegedly defrauded of ₹60 lakh by Pankaj Sawant. He promised to provide her with an MHADA flat in Charni Road East. M Pitale resides in a rented flat in south Mumbai with her son. She met Sawant through her neighbor when seeking assistance with transferring her father-in-law's
MHADA flat to her name.

Sawant helped with the transfer, gaining her trust.
In 2020, M Pitale expressed interest in purchasing a new house. Sawant showed her an MHADA room in the CP Tank area, claiming it was in MHADA's possession and would
be transferred to her for ₹5 lakh for paperwork. She paid ₹3 lakh via NEFT.

Sawant signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in December 2021, assuring her of the flat. However, from 2021 to November 2023, he allegedly obtained ₹60.10 lakh from her through false promises. He consistently claimed the file was pending signature by a senior MHADA official. Upon contacting Sawant, he provided various excuses.

In November 2023, M Pitale discovered he had cheated multiple individuals using a similar modus operandi,
leading her to file a complaint with Kalachowki police station in April 2024. The police verified the facts and registered a case against Sawant under sections 406 and 420 of the IPC.

Author: Aarya Kadam
News Writer