Mumbai: A major property fraud case involving an alleged attempt to illegally seize a flat in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex using forged identity documents and fake legal paperwork has come under investigation. The case, linked to a property valued at nearly ₹80.84 lakh, has once again highlighted growing concerns over identity-based real estate fraud and misuse of digital documentation in metropolitan cities. Police have registered an FIR against multiple accused persons under charges related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
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Forged Aadhaar and PAN Used in PoA Attempt
According to investigators, the accused allegedly misused the identity of the genuine flat owner by creating forged Aadhaar cards, fake PAN cards and other fabricated identity records. Using these documents, the suspects allegedly prepared and attempted to register a fraudulent Power of Attorney to gain control over the property. The alleged fraud surfaced during an internal verification process conducted by registration authorities, where major discrepancies were reportedly detected in submitted records.
Police said the disputed property is located in Building No. 13 of New BKC Aman Co-operative Housing Society in the Bandra-Kurla Complex area. Investigators believe that in February 2024, a group of individuals allegedly initiated legal procedures to obtain rights over the flat by impersonating the original owner. During document scrutiny, officials reportedly found that the photographs, signatures and identity details submitted for registration did not match official government records.
The complaint was lodged by an assistant sub-registrar attached to the Mumbai-30 registration office after irregularities were discovered during document authentication. According to officials, the differences between original government records and the submitted identification documents raised immediate suspicion, prompting a detailed inquiry into the transaction.
Impersonation and Registration Records Under Probe
Investigators further stated that one of the accused allegedly posed as the actual property owner, Vilas Kisan Karad, and signed documents under the false identity. Police suspect the operation may have been part of a larger organized network involved in illegal property acquisition through forged paperwork and impersonation. Authorities believe the accused attempted to make the registration process appear legitimate by using counterfeit identity documents and manipulated records.
Although the property is situated in the BKC area, officials said the alleged forged registration process took place at the Nahur-Bhandup sub-registrar office. Since the registration activity fell under that jurisdiction, the investigation is currently being handled by Bhandup police. Authorities have initiated forensic examination of the disputed documents, digital verification of identity records and scrutiny of banking and transactional trails linked to the accused.
The individuals named in the FIR include Sardar Ali Sheikh, Asimunnisa Sardar Ali Sheikh, Mohammad Ali Sardar Ali Sheikh, Mohammad Hanif Sheikh and another unidentified person accused of impersonating the original flat owner. Police are now examining whether the accused are connected to similar property fraud operations in Mumbai and nearby regions.
Digital Identity Misuse Raises Property Fraud Concerns
Experts dealing with real estate and cyber-enabled documentation crimes say misuse of digital identity documents has become a growing threat in urban property transactions. Fraudsters are increasingly using forged Aadhaar cards, fake PAN records, manipulated biometric data and fabricated registration papers to illegally claim ownership rights over valuable real estate assets. In many cases, genuine property owners reportedly remain unaware of fraudulent transfer attempts until advanced stages of documentation.
According to specialists, the expansion of digital registration systems and online document processing has also created new opportunities for organized fraud networks. Criminal groups often first obtain or fabricate identity records, then use forged signatures and fake supporting documents to create seemingly valid legal transactions. Experts warn that without stronger verification mechanisms and biometric safeguards, such frauds could rise further in high-value property markets.
Police have registered a case under sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal breach of trust. Investigators are currently examining registration office records, linked bank accounts, mobile communication data and digital transaction trails to identify the full network involved in the alleged fraud. Authorities suspect that similar property scams involving fake documentation and identity theft may be operating across Mumbai and adjoining areas.
