BMC Officer Suspended After Being Named in ₹16.24-Crore Property Fraud Investigation
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended senior civic official Mahesh Subhash Patil after he was named in a Crime Branch investigation into an alleged ₹16.24-crore property fraud case.
Patil, who was serving as the Assistant Commissioner of Mumbai’s K/North Ward, was suspended pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The action was taken under provisions of the BMC Services Rules, 1989, following the registration of a criminal case against him.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Habiba Jaaferi, wife of actor Jaaved Jaaferi. In her complaint, she alleged that she was persuaded to invest in a property redevelopment project after being promised substantial financial returns.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly presented the investment as a lucrative opportunity linked to a redevelopment venture. However, the promised returns never materialized, leading to allegations that the entire arrangement was part of a larger fraud.
Following the complaint lodged on May 13, Mumbai Crime Branch’s Property Cell registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Patil and several others at Khar Police Station.
The investigation is currently focused on examining financial transactions, the role of each accused, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged investment scheme. Authorities are also looking into whether additional individuals may have been affected.
While the probe continues, the BMC has stated that the suspension is an administrative measure aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent investigation. No final conclusions have been reached regarding the allegations, and the accused will have an opportunity to present their defense during the legal process.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a senior civic official and the large amount of money allegedly involved. Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence as they work to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
