Mumbai Fraud: Dadar Police File FIR Against Woman For Duping 75-Year-Old Retired Teacher Of ₹17 Lakh In Fake MHADA Flat Scam

Mumbai: The Dadar police have registered a case of fraud against Bhakti Kandarkar, who allegedly deceived a 75-year-old retired teacher, Nandini Subhash Varde, by promising a low-cost apartment that never existed.

False Promise of Low-Cost Flat Near Kabutarkhana, Dadar

According to the police, Varde, a resident of L.J. Road, Mahim West, was introduced to Kandarkar on June 20, 2024, by Archana Potade, a friend of her son Prasad. Kandarkar, that claimed she works with MHADA, and could offer apartments at low prices. She allegedly promised to sell a flat on the 15th floor of Bliss Casa building near Kabutarkhana, Dadar West, for Rs 65 lakh.

Victim Paid ₹18 Lakh Using RTGS and Pawned Gold

Attracted by the discounted offer, Varde paid an advance of Rs 16 lakh through RTGS to Kandarkar’s Central Bank of India account and gave an additional Rs 2 lakh in cash by pawning gold. Kandarkar assured the remaining amount could be paid through a loan and promised to provide the offer letter within 10–15 days, but failed to deliver.

Four Bounced Cheques, Only ₹75,000 Refunded

As the flat was never delivered, Varde requested Kandarkar to refund the money, saying she no longer wished to purchase the apartment. Between September 24, 2024, and March 24, 2025, she issued four checks that bounced due to insufficient funds. Varde received only Rs 75,000 via RTGS, with the rest of the money unrecovered.

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Dadar Police Register FIR Under BNS Section 318(4)

Confirming the fraud, Varde filed a complaint at the Dadar police station, alleging financial cheating amounting to Rs 17 lakh. A case has been registered under section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita BNS Act and the investigation is ongoing.