Buyers accuse builder of cheating, lodge complaint

AHMEDABAD: More than 150 customers of the residential project, Nivas-I, at Motera protested against the builder at Chandkheda police station and demanded that the city police register their complaint. NA Construction is the builder of the residential housing scheme. Chandkheda police have registered a complaint against four for cheating, breach of trust and criminal conspiracy.
Girish Makwana, a resident of Ghatlodia, has registered a complaint against Nilesh Shah, Mukul Shah and Rajesh Shah who have their office at NA Construction in Shreeji House at Ellisbridge, and Nitesh Patel for taking money for the project but not starting construction and giving possession on time.
According to the protesters, in its advertisement of 2012, the company had promised a flat to economically weaker sections at the cost of Rs 11.68 lakh per apartment. There were 3,200 flats on offer. For these, the company had organized a draw. Those interested had to pay Rs 11,000 as deposit on the promise that if they were not chosen in the draw, their deposit would be refunded. Those whose names get selected would have to submit a cheque of Rs 2.5 lakh. Bhagirath Joshi, one of the investors, said that considering that all 3,200 chosen investors had made the Rs 2.5 lakh payment, the total amount invested came to Rs 80 crore. "The company started digging at the site but no construction took place in the past three years. Those dreaming about owning an affordable house were taken for a ride," he said.
The protestors said that there were other irregularities such as not having the said land in the firm's name. They added that they had earlier given an application of complaint to the city police but as there was no action, they decided to form the group to bring the culprits to justice. The firm had earlier promised to return the money of the investors.
KK Desai, inspector of Chandkheda police station, said that they had taken the complaint and investigation would start soon. "As of now, we cannot comment on the amount as we have sought more information and proofs from the investors. We are yet to record the statements of the accused in the case," he said.