6 hours ago
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The property cell of Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested the main accused in the case of defrauding Habiba Jaffrey, wife of Bollywood actor Javed Jaffrey, of Rs 16.24 crore.
In this high-profile case, a case has been registered against 6 people including BMC Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Patil. The accused implicated the Jafri family in their conspiracy in the name of tax settlement and investment.
Fraud started from BMC notice
The fraud started in April 2024. Habiba Jafri received a notice from BMC to pay property tax of her bungalow in Andheri. During this time, through an acquaintance, he met Mahesh Patil, Assistant Commissioner of BMC G-South Ward.
Patil first assured them of tax settlement and then lured them to invest in the ‘New Kamalkunj’ commercial project in Bandra (West).
Javed has three children. Apart from daughter Alavia, he has two sons Meezaan and Abbas Jafri.
Showed fake reports to win trust
The Assistant Commissioner introduced Habiba to businessman Nishit Patel. Nishit described himself as a partner of big builders and claimed that Rs 150 crore has already been invested in this project.
To win the trust of the Jafri family, the accused went to the house and showed maps, fake letterheads and documents of pre-lease agreement with foreign banks. He promised that they would get possession of the commercial space by December 2025.
fake registry at home
To make the conspiracy appear real, accused Rupesh, Devendra Padwal and their associates reached the house of Jafri family with devices like government machines. He took Habiba’s photo, fingerprints and signature at home and claimed that the government registry process had been completed.
Later he was given photocopies of the documents. When the original documents were asked for, the excuse was made that they were with the builder.
Raised Rs 16.24 crore by selling flat and bungalow
Falling prey to the trap of the accused, Javed Jafri, his wife Habiba and brother Naved Jafri raised money by selling their properties. According to the police, this amount was transferred to the accounts of shell companies like Pujan Technologies, Udit Traders and Asian Food. Apart from cash, foreign currency and a luxury watch are also included in the total fraud of Rs 16.24 crore.
Nishit on police remand till May 19
Realizing the fraud, Habiba Jafri lodged a complaint at Khar police station. After investigation, the crime branch caught Nishit Patel.
During interrogation, Nishit has confessed to preparing fake documents. The court has sent him on police remand till May 19. Police are now searching for absconding Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Patil and other accused.
