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Navi Mumbai Police have arrested a man accused of posing as a journalist and cheating homebuyers of ₹19 lakh in a housing fraud.
How Did the Alleged Housing Fraud Operate?
The accused, identified as Shailendra Dev Prakash Dwivedi, allegedly presented himself as a journalist on social media and approached people with offers of residential properties at discounted prices in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. According to police, he promised houses at rates lower than prevailing market prices and collected money from prospective buyers.
Amit Kale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2), Navi Mumbai, said Dwivedi allegedly collected ₹19 lakh without providing the promised accommodation. Following a complaint, Ulwe police registered a case on October 7 under Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to criminal breach of trust and cheating.
How Was the Accused Arrested?
Police said Dwivedi had been absconding since the registration of the case. Investigators issued him a notice directing him to appear for questioning, but he allegedly failed to comply. Police subsequently launched a search to locate him.
A team from Ulwe police station traced Dwivedi to a hotel in Lonavala, Pune district, using technical analysis. He was apprehended at approximately 12.04 am on November 12. Following his arrest, he was produced before a court, which remanded him to four days of police custody for further investigation.
What Other Criminal Cases Does He Face?
According to police records, Dwivedi has been named in several FIRs registered across Maharashtra since 2023. These include cases at Bhiwandi Taluka, Ganeshpuri, NRI Sagari, Kalwa, Rabale MIDC, Ulwe and Nerul police stations.
The cases involve allegations of murder, attempted murder, extortion, offences under the Arms Act, gutkha-related violations and inciting communal sentiments. Police said Dwivedi was also wanted in connection with cases registered at Rabale MIDC, Kalwa and NRI Sagari police stations. These allegations concern separate criminal proceedings and remain subject to investigation and legal determination.
What Is the Status of the Investigation?
Police have further alleged that Dwivedi used social media platforms, including Twitter, to threaten police officers and other individuals while evading arrest. Investigators are examining his alleged activities alongside the housing fraud complaint.
DCP Kale said the police stations where Dwivedi was wanted had been informed about his arrest. Further investigation is underway into the alleged housing fraud and the circumstances surrounding his activities. The case also highlights the importance of verifying property offers and the identity of individuals claiming professional credentials before making financial commitments.
