Ahmedabad: Over 200 people who had made payments to a builder for a scheme in the South Bopal area have fallen victim to a housing scam where they were deceived under the pretext of pre-booking homes. The builder, Privilon Buildcon LLP, allegedly took Rs. 40 crore from prospective buyers for booking 3 and 2 BHK flats under two schemes at sites named Richmond Privilon and Celestial. However, after receiving the money, the builder disappeared, leaving the victims in distress.

It is learned that the builder failed to make the full payment for the land, leading to the cancellation of the deal. The Celestial site, which was initially part of the Privilon group, was taken over by another builder. However, those who had made advance bookings are now struggling to get their money back. Despite receiving cheques, many of the payments have bounced, leaving the victims with no recourse. It is also learned that the pre-booking was done even before the Gujarat RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) permission was granted.

Haren Kariya, a partner in the scheme, clarified that he had exited the partnership six months ago and assured that he would try to return the money to the affected individuals. However, until the funds are returned, the victims continue to face uncertainty. The aggrieved buyers have approached the SP office to lodge complaints, with hopes of recovering their hard-earned money.

One of the people who had made the downpayment said, “We had thought that we would get a flat to live in after 3-4 years. We live in a small flat in Vejalpur and were planning to buy a new flat by selling that one. I had booked a flat in a 14-story scheme, in which Jaydeep Kotak and Hiren Kariya, who are from Junagadh, are partners. I have paid 6-6.5 lakh. They told us that the construction would begin in June or July, but later they said it would happen after Diwali. Then we learned that the 14-story scheme got canceled, so we asked to be shifted to the 22-story scheme. But then we learned that both schemes had been canceled, and as of now, we have no answers.”

Another person told the media, “As per my information, the builder has taken around 50 crores from the people. I have deposited Rs. 30 lakh, and others have deposited as per their capacity. Some have paid by cheque, while others have paid in cash (diary system). We became suspicious when we asked for RERA permission, and they told us that they don’t have to show it to us. Now, we have approached the police and are waiting for action.”DeshGujarat