Pune EOW Intensifies Probe in ₹600 Crore Goel-Patel-Thakwani Land Fraud Case; Raids Offices & Homes as Accused Remain Absconding

Pune Economic Offences Wing raids multiple sites in ₹600 crore land fraud case involving Goel-Patel-Thakwani developers; accused absconding, investigation deepens.

Pune | 14 February, 2026- In a significant escalation of one of Maharashtra’s biggest alleged real estate frauds in recent years, the Economic Offences Wing has carried out coordinated raids in connection with a ₹600 crore land scam involving partners of Goel, Patel & Thakwani Developers. The action, conducted across multiple locations in Pune, targeted company offices and residential premises linked to the accused individuals. However, several properties were reportedly found locked, with key accused still absconding. Investigators have seized documents, digital devices, and transaction records as part of a detailed probe into what is being described as a complex web of alleged forgery, breach of trust, and unauthorized land transactions.

The case revolves around approximately 28.78 acres of prime land located in Mohammadwadi, an area that has witnessed rapid real estate growth over the past decade. The land was reportedly part of a joint development agreement entered into more than a decade ago between Goel, Patel & Thakwani Developers and Marvel Realtors and Developers Ltd.. According to the complaint, substantial investments were made between 2011 and 2013 based on assurances that the land had clear and marketable title. It is alleged that over ₹22 crore was invested directly into the project, along with additional crores spent on planning, approvals, and development-related expenses.

The complainant, Vishwajeet Jhavar, has accused the developers of submitting forged Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) exemption documents to establish ownership legitimacy. The complaint further alleges that despite contractual obligations, the accused failed to operationalize a joint escrow account meant to ensure financial transparency. Instead, parts of the land were allegedly transferred or sold to third parties without the knowledge or consent of the investment partner. Such actions, if proven, could amount to criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Officials involved in the investigation stated that the recent search operations were aimed at reconstructing the financial trail and verifying the authenticity of land ownership documents. The EOW has been meticulously examining revenue records, transaction deeds, digital correspondence, and internal communications to establish whether there was deliberate misrepresentation or systematic concealment of facts. Legal experts suggest that proving forgery in land matters requires detailed forensic examination of documents and coordination with revenue authorities, making such cases both sensitive and time-intensive.

The ₹600 crore valuation attributed to the project reflects not only the scale of the land parcel but also the potential development value in a rapidly urbanizing zone of Pune. Real estate analysts point out that Mohammadwadi’s proximity to established residential hubs and commercial corridors significantly enhances its market worth. This has intensified public interest in the case, as large-scale land disputes often impact investor confidence and local property markets.

The investigation comes at a time when Maharashtra authorities are tightening scrutiny over high-value real estate transactions amid rising instances of alleged land fraud. In recent years, the Economic Offences Wing has expanded its enforcement footprint, focusing on forged title documents, disputed development rights, and fraudulent power-of-attorney transactions. The current case is seen as a test of regulatory vigilance in ensuring transparency within large-scale joint development agreements.

As of now, lookout notices are expected to be issued if the accused continue to evade questioning. Authorities are also examining whether additional stakeholders or intermediaries may have facilitated the alleged transactions. The possibility of the probe expanding to include financial institutions or third-party buyers has not been ruled out. Legal proceedings in such cases often hinge on the clarity of documentary evidence and the intent demonstrated through financial conduct.

For investors and property developers across Maharashtra, the outcome of this investigation could serve as a cautionary benchmark. The case underscores the critical importance of thorough due diligence, escrow compliance, and verification of land records before entering high-value real estate partnerships. It also highlights the growing role of specialized economic crime units in tackling sophisticated financial and property-related offences.

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