Vasai: Waliv Police arrested Surendra Singh alias Dara (48) in multi-crore land scam, remanding him to 4-day custody. Partner Arvind Singh alias Randa absconding after duping Mumbai developer Brijesh Yadav of ₹14 crore deal.
Yadav sold 210 gunthas (5.25 acres) Rajavali, Vasai East to Surendra-Arvind in 2020-22 for ₹14 Cr. Duo paid ₹7 Cr partial, defaulted balance despite threats/abuse when demanded.
Duo resold plots to 300-400 chawl developers constructing 700+ illegal tenements sold to poor buyers unaware illegality. Water/electricity connections lent credibility masking unauthorized construction.
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Crime Branch Unit-4 Investigates
Senior Crime Branch official confirmed plot buyer tracing, money trail reconstruction. Yadav received ₹1.1 Cr cash + 10 lakhs cheques from accused (multiple prior cases registered).
Police explore MPID Act 1999 booking for financial establishment fraud. Court remanded Surendra Tuesday afternoon; Crime Branch Unit-4 leads probe targeting absconding Arvind.
Developer Brijesh Yadav’s Complaint
44-year Mumbai resident, Vasai-Virar real estate developer filed FIR detailing ₹7 Cr unpaid from ₹14 Cr deal. Accused abused/threatened repayment demands.
Illegal settlements gained legitimacy via water/power connections despite Vasai Municipal Corporation violations. Poor buyers targeted maximizing resale profits. Duo notorious Vasai land sharks with established cheating history. Current FIR triggers asset attachment, buyer restitution planning.
Crime Branch summons plot buyers reconstructing resale chain, financial flows. 700+ chawl units represent demolition/enforcement crisis.
Vasai court approved remand enabling supplier chain interrogation, document recovery, digital forensics. MPID escalation consideration pending financial magnitude confirmation.
Land Mafia Modus Operandi
- Partial payment deals lure developers
- Resale to chawl builders before default
- Utility connections legitimize illegality
- Threats delay confrontation
Victim Impact Assessment
Developer Yadav faces ₹7 Cr loss; 700+ poor families risk eviction. Municipal demolition drive imminent post-investigation.
Unit-4 specializes organized land fraud. Money laundering, benami property angles under scanner alongside cheating charges. Absconding partner represents operational continuity threat. Lookout notice, financial freeze measures activated.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
