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A 62-year-old builder from Thane was allegedly cheated of R20.89 lakh by a father-son duo from Airoli, who promised to allot and develop a CIDCO plot. According to the Rabale police, the complainant, Pandurang Bamaji Lambore, was approached by accused Mukund Tulsiram Joshi, 70, and his son Tejas Mukund Joshi, 38, in 2010. 

Police said the scam spanned nearly 16 years — from August 7, 2010, to April 8, 2026 — during which the accused allegedly collected money from the complainant in phases. The matter came to light on April 8, when Lambore visited the accused’s residence in Airoli, demanding either possession of the plot or a refund of the amount paid. However, instead of resolving the matter, the accused threatened him, stating they would not return the money.

Complaint filed

Following the threat, the complainant approached Rabale police station and registered an FIR against the accused on Wednesday (April 8). According to the complaint, the accused allegedly entered into a 50-50 development agreement with Lambore, assuring him that CIDCO would allot a plot and that they would develop it together. Despite being aware the land in question was unauthorised, the duo continued to gain the complainant’s trust and collected money in phases.

Police speak

Senior Police Inspector Balkrishna Sawant of Rabale police station said, “A case has been registered against both the accused for cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal intimidation. The complainant was lured into the deal on the pretext of a CIDCO plot. We are verifying documents and the financial trail. Further investigation is underway.”