Mumbai Builder-Buyer Dispute Escalates with Cross FIRs Over Oshiwara Flat
A contentious dispute between a builder and a buyer in Mumbai's Oshiwara area has intensified, leading to the registration of cross first information reports (FIRs) by the local police. The case involves allegations of cheating and extortion, stemming from a delayed real estate project and unresolved financial transactions.
Details of the Complaints and Allegations
Oshiwara police have taken action by registering a cheating case against developer Sameer Bhube, based on a complaint filed by fashion designer Riyaz Ganji. In a retaliatory move, an extortion case has been filed against Ganji and his niece, Fazila Mukhi, following a cross complaint by Bhube. According to the initial complaint, in April 2016, Ganji paid Rs 45 lakh out of a total payment of Rs 72 lakh for a flat in the Royal Green Project. The flat was registered in the names of Akil and Fazila Mukhi, who are residents of Dubai.
Bhube explained to the police that the project faced significant delays due to administrative and regulatory approvals. Despite these setbacks, his company provided compensation by paying a total rent of Rs 4.2 lakh to the purchasers between January 2025 and December 2025. Bhube asserted that the buyers were assured possession of the flat by January 5, 2026, but he alleged that the balance amount remained unpaid, leading to further tensions.
Escalation and Threats Alleged
The situation escalated when Bhube claimed that on January 7, 2026, the Mukhis allegedly threatened him with death and demanded Rs 1.5 crore. He further alleged that the accused, including Ganji, warned him about their connections with influential individuals in Dubai. They threatened to harm Bhube, his business partners, and his family if their financial demands were not met. These allegations have added a serious dimension to the already volatile dispute.
Denials and Legal Maneuvers
In response, Ganji has strongly denied all allegations, labeling the FIR against him as an afterthought intended to suppress their own complaint registered at the Oshiwara police station. Speaking to TOI, Ganji stated, "He has lodged an FIR to suppress our complaint. We are moving court for the quashing of this FIR." Efforts by TOI to contact Bhube for his side of the story were unsuccessful, as his phone was found to be switched off.
Current Legal Status and Police Actions
The police have reported that Bhube's anticipatory bail application was recently rejected by a sessions court, and he is currently on the run. This development indicates the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing legal battle. The cross FIRs highlight the complexities and high stakes involved in real estate disputes in Mumbai, where delays and financial disagreements often lead to legal confrontations.
This case underscores the challenges faced by both builders and buyers in the city's competitive property market, with issues such as project delays, compensation claims, and alleged threats bringing the matter to the forefront of legal scrutiny.
