The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Bhopal has registered a case against builder Anwar Baig, proprietor of Hometech Constructions, for allegedly duping multiple buyers of crores of rupees under the pretext of selling residential flats. The case has been filed under charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Multiple Complaints Reveal Widespread Fraud
According to EOW findings, Baig allegedly took large sums of money from several buyers for flats in Bhopal’s Adnan Complex and other locations under formal sale agreements, but failed to deliver the promised properties.
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Complainant Khalil Usmani stated that he paid ₹14 lakh in three installments for a flat, yet never received registration papers or a refund. Similar allegations were made by other complainants, including Umar Rauf, who paid ₹5 lakh, and Syed Iqbal Hasan, who suffered losses of ₹8.10 lakh. Additional victims, such as Irdis Ali and Masarath, have also come forward.
In some cases, victims claimed they were promised alternative properties in exchange for their payments, but these promises were never fulfilled. The EOW estimates the total fraud amount to be close to ₹50 lakh based on current complaints.
EOW Investigation and Legal Action
Following preliminary inquiries, the EOW booked Anwar Baig under sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities are also probing Baig’s involvement in other alleged fraud cases involving a similar modus operandi.
Officials reported that more victims have approached the EOW after news of the investigation surfaced, suggesting the scam’s scope could be larger than initially estimated. Investigators are examining transaction records, sale agreements, and property registration data to build a comprehensive case.
The EOW emphasised that the accused collected funds in both cash and cheque form, amounting to crores of rupees over multiple deals, but consistently failed to register properties in buyers’ names. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed as new evidence emerges.