The Mumbai Crime Branch's Property Cell has made a significant arrest in a high-profile cheating case, taking businessman Nishit Patel into custody. This case involves an alleged fraud of Rs 16.24 crores, targeting Habiba Jaffrey, the wife of renowned Bollywood actor Jaaved Jaaferi. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Khar Police Station against six individuals, including BMC Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Patil, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Alleged Fraud Scheme Unveiled
Investigators reveal that the accused allegedly exploited their purported connections with influential builders and high-ranking government officials to deceive the Jaffrey family. They reportedly persuaded the family to invest a substantial sum into the “New Kamalkunj” redevelopment project located in Bandra West, promising high financial returns and swift property possession. To make the deal appear genuine and win the family’s confidence, the scheme involved:
• Forged paperwork
• Fabricated letters of interest
• Fake registration-related formalities
Key Accused and Investigation Details
The FIR names Nishit Patel, Mahesh Patil, Rupesh, Sagar Mehta, Devendra Padwal, and several others. The ongoing investigation has uncovered crucial details:
• The invested funds were reportedly channeled through multiple company accounts.
• During interrogation, primary accused Nishit Patel is said to have admitted his role in creating counterfeit documents.
• Authorities are now probing whether similar deceptive tactics were employed to defraud other prominent personalities and actors in the industry.
BMC Official's Involvement Examined The case took another significant turn with the alleged involvement of BMC Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Patil. According to available information, Habiba Jaffrey had received a property tax notice in April 2024 for her bungalow in Andheri. During this period, an acquaintance reportedly introduced her to Mahesh Patil, who was then serving as the Assistant Commissioner of the BMC’s G-South Ward. Investigators allege that Patil initially offered assistance in resolving the tax-related issue before advising the family to make the investment that ultimately led to the alleged fraud.
