The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has arrested a 53-year-old man for allegedly cheating several citizens of crores of rupees by promising cheap MHADA houses in Mumbai and Thane, the police said on Thursday.
The accused identified as Jitendra Sukhlal Rathod was arrested from the Chembur area after a special police team traced him through technical surveillance and on-ground intelligence, it said.
According to the police, a woman complainant in the case had alleged that the accused and his associates promised government-quota MHADA plots at very low rates. Believing them, she and some others paid over Rs 70 lakh between 2012 and 2013, through bank transfers and cash.
The accused allegedly gave fake MHADA allotment letters to make the victims believe the documents were genuine.
“During investigation it was found that the total fraud amount is more than Rs 2 crore,” said an official.
The arrest operation was carried out under the supervision of senior police officials. The team consisted of API Nitin Pawar, Police Naik Mandar Rane and Police Constable Jayesh Attarede, under the guidance of Senior Inspector Nitin Patil and investigating officer API Bhushan Deore, said an official.
Multiple cases registered in Mumbai and Thane
EOW officials said that Rathod is also an accused in several past cheating cases registered at various police stations, including — Vanrai Police Station (2022), Samtanagar Police Station (2023), Juhu Police Station (2023), Shivaji Park Police Station (2024), Dadar Police Station (2024), Dindoshi Police Station (2025), Achole Police Station, Vasai (2024), Manikpur Police Station in Vasai (2024).
Citizens urged to come forward with their complaints
Mumbai Police have appealed to the public, saying that anyone else cheated by Jitendra Rathod under the promise of affordable MHADA homes should contact the EOW immediately.
