An investigation has been launched following allegations that three government-subsidized apartments in Dighi, Pune, were illegally sold to private buyers. The apartments were part of a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) project intended for people from economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups (LIG).
The complaint was registered by an assistant police inspector from MHADA’s Vigilance and Security department in Mumbai. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Dighi police station in Pimpri Chinchwad, and action was taken against a senior MHADA official and a private developer.
According to police sources, the developer—Kamalraj Realtors—had been allotted the right to construct housing under the MHADA scheme. As part of the agreement, 20 percent of the built-up area was required to be reserved for EWS and LIG beneficiaries. In return, the developer had been granted a 20 percent increase in Floor Space Index (FSI), an incentive designed to promote inclusive housing development. However, it has been alleged that three flats designated for EWS and LIG families were sold in the open market. The sales were reportedly facilitated through the use of forged documentation.
It was revealed in the FIR that forged approval letters may have been issued by Vijay Thakur, who was serving as the estate manager for MHADA in Pune. By providing these documents, the accused allegedly enabled the unauthorized sale of the units, thereby bypassing legitimate applicants and undermining the objectives of the government housing scheme. The act has been described as a betrayal of public trust and a misuse of authority. Authorities have confirmed that the incident constitutes a violation of multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to forgery, fraud, and misuse of official position.
A press release stated that both the developer and the MHADA official have been booked under applicable legal sections. While the accused have been identified, no arrests have been made as of yet. The case is currently being handled by Police Sub-Inspector A. N. Katpale, who has confirmed that an investigation is underway. Law enforcement agencies have assured that the matter is being treated with priority, and efforts are being made to gather all relevant evidence. As the probe continues, questions are being raised about the oversight mechanisms within MHADA and the enforcement of housing allocation rules meant to protect economically vulnerable communities.