A high-stakes real estate partnership has spiraled into a major financial scandal, with Mumbai-based developer Rohit Poddar accusing relatives of underworld figure Bhai Thakur of orchestrating a ₹30 crore fraud under the guise of a township project in Vasai-Virar.
FIR Filed Against Viva Group Directors
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has registered a case of cheating, breach of trust, and forgery against:
- Mehul Thakur (nephew of Bhai Thakur)
- Deepak Thakur (cousin)
- Radhey Khanolkar and Vinay Vartak (former directors of Viva Group)
According to the FIR, Poddar was lured into a joint venture in 2012—Poddar Viva Construction Pvt Ltd—with promises of political backing and lucrative land parcels. However, the funds he transferred, totaling ₹30 crore, were allegedly diverted to another Viva Group account controlled by Mehul Thakur.
No Land, No Returns in 13 Years
Despite repeated assurances, no land was purchased, and no project materialized over the past 13 years. Poddar claims he received no receipts or acknowledgments for the payments, and further demands were made under false pretenses.
The complaint also alleges that forged board resolutions were used to appoint Mehul Thakur as the firm’s authorized signatory, enabling the unauthorized transfer of funds.
Past Legal Troubles
Notably, Mehul Thakur was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in 2021 in a separate money laundering case involving the Mackstar project and was released on bail in 2023.
EOW Investigation Underway
The EOW is now examining financial records and communication trails to uncover how the alleged fraud was concealed for over a decade. The case underscores the risks of informal partnerships and the misuse of corporate structures in high-value real estate deals.
🔁 Share this article to stay informed on Mumbai’s latest real estate fraud and the legal fallout involving high-profile names.
