Mantralaya Housing Scam: Retired Bureaucrat Dupes Maharashtra Officers

A retired deputy secretary in Mumbai faces charges of cheating 19 government officials out of Rs 2.61 crore in a fraudulent housing scheme. Officials say Rajesh Shaligram Govil promised ownership of flats at Blue Bell Building, but absconded with the funds. An FIR has been lodged.

A retired deputy secretary has been implicated in a housing scam involving 19 Maharashtra government officials, with duped amounts totaling Rs 2.61 crore, confirmed police on Monday. The situation unfolded in south Mumbai's Mantralaya, tarnishing the trust of state employees.

The accused, identified as Rajesh Shaligram Govil, misled eager homebuyers by promising official residences at Blue Bell Building, Hiranandani Gardens, would be transferred to their names. The complaint was lodged by Umesh Chandivade, Under Secretary of the Home Department.

Between July 2019 and 2021, those in search of housing shelled out Rs 2.61 crore, with many resorting to loans. Despite repeated requests, Govil failed to deliver the flats or refund the money, leading to an FIR under IPC sections 406 and 420. Investigations continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)