Thane Developer’s Bail Rejected in ₹13-Crore Redevelopment Fraud Case
By | PR Desk
Major Setback for Developer in Deepmala Society Scam
Thane : The Additional Sessions Court in Thane has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of developer Sanjay Dattatray Bhalerao, one of the primary accused in the alleged ₹13-crore redevelopment fraud involving the Deepmala Co-operative Housing Society. The case, registered under Crime No. 495/2025 at Vartaknagar Police Station, includes charges under IPC Sections 406, 420, 34 and relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act (MOFA).
80 Members Claim Cheating as Redevelopment Stalls for 15 Years
According to the complaint filed by the society’s treasurer, the building had been declared dangerous, leading to a redevelopment agreement in 2011 with M/s Aditya Enterprises.
The developer had committed to providing each of the 80 members a 485 sq. ft. home, a ₹5 lakh corpus, and monthly rent until possession. However, construction allegedly never progressed.
Members claim the developer stopped paying rent after 2017, filed a revised plan with reduced carpet areas, and even sold a 25th-floor flat for ₹89.75 lakh to outsiders, violating the redevelopment terms.
Court Observes Pattern of Similar Offences
The prosecution highlighted that the developer has been involved in multiple similar offences, allegedly cheating flat purchasers across different societies.
The court noted that the financial discrepancies and breach of trust form a prima facie case, clarifying that these actions cannot be dismissed as mere civil disputes.
Custodial Interrogation Required to Probe Irregularities
The judge ruled that custodial interrogation of Sanjay Bhalerao is essential to investigate the scope of the alleged financial mismanagement.
Citing Supreme Court rulings on economic offences, the court stated that cases involving large public loss and multiple victims require a strict judicial approach.
Co-Accused Granted Bail with Strict Conditions
In contrast, the court granted anticipatory bail to Pratima Sanjay Bhalerao, co-applicant and wife of the main accused.
The court noted that she was not an original partner in the firm, her involvement appeared limited, and no recovery was required from her.
She has been given bail on conditions such as a ₹1 lakh personal bond, mandatory monthly attendance at the police station, full cooperation, and no tampering with evidence.
A Serious Economic Offence Affecting Dozens of Families
The court emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating that dozens of families have remained displaced for over a decade, awaiting the homes promised under the redevelopment plan.
The matter, it said, reflects a significant breach of trust and misuse of funds in a case that continues to impact the lives of many.
