Borivli cops yet to file chargesheet in carpet area ‘cheating’ case

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: Six months after registering an FIR against a builder in May this year — for allegedly cheating flat owners on the carpet area of their homes — and subsequently arresting him on August 18, the MHB Colony police in Borivli (W) are yet to file a chargesheet against him.

Following his arrest, the 70-yearold developer, Vincy Moraes, was remanded in police custody and later granted bail. It was perhaps the first case of its kind where a builder was arrested for allegedly duping flat owners by giving them less carpet area than promised. TOI had first reported about it on May 21.

Residents of Rose-mar Apartments in I C Colony alleged that though they had been cooperating with the police, the cops were delaying the probe. “We informed the police about the matter in November 2009. The cops finally registered an FIR after persistent efforts on the part of the residents. It took them another three months to arrest the builder,’’ said a resident.

Investigating officer Satish Raorane, who recorded the statements of both the parties in the case, said the probe was still on. “There is perhaps some misunderstanding about filing the chargesheet. The complainant thinks that the time limit is 90 days to file a chargesheet. But we may take some time in cases such as these,” said Raorane. “We are yet to verify the bank records and corroborate the statements, besides checking the agreement copies.”

Raorane, though, chose to stay mum when asked why the police were taking so long to check the bank and agreement records.

Moraes’ Da Vincy Constructions was engaged in the redevelopment of Rose-Mar Apartments a few years ago. A new wing was constructed to rehouse the existing residents and another wing was sold to new flat buyers. Fifteen occupants from both the
wings approached the police after they realized that the builder had given them less carpet area than what was mentioned in the agreement.

“We have been chasing the police to file the chargesheet but they are taking too long,” said one of the flat owners. One of the residents had paid Rs 24.5 lakh for a property with a carpet area of 720 sq ft. However, when examined later, the carpet area was found to be only 599.59 sq ft — a shortfall of 120.41 sq ft. Rajendra Dabhade, DCP (additional charge), said he would look into the matter.


The Times of India, November 22, 2010