Ahmedabad: Hundreds of middle-class families in Ahmedabad are reeling from a massive real estate dispute, which customers are labeling a “scam.” According to a news report, 1,100 families are affected, with an estimated ₹200–₹250 crore currently tied up with the developers.

The issue centers around a housing project in Godrej Garden City called CELESTE, which began in 2022, with possession originally promised by 2025.

The project involved partners, including Godrej Properties and Shree Siddhi Group. Although construction had reportedly reached three floors, Godrej officials claimed their team found the work unsatisfactory and subsequently demolished all three floors.

When questioned, the builder told buyers that the construction halt and lack of refunds were due to a dispute with their partner, Shree Siddhi Group, claiming the latter is not cooperating. Godrej allegedly sought a consent form from customers to become the “sole promoter.”

Customers, who invested their hard-earned money for a “dream home,” report that construction is now at zero progress. One customer noted that they had already paid ₹21 lakh and showed a message stating the company is willing to give around ₹10 lakh as a refund — only half of what the customer had paid.

Affected buyers report receiving no clear answers from company representatives. When confronted by a TV reporter, staff members at the Godrej office refused to comment, stating, “I am not authorized to give any media bytes.”

Additionally, a customer added that complaints filed via the CM portal were rerouted to RERA, which then instructed customers to file a new formal complaint on the RERA site by paying ₹1,000.

Customers stress that their “dream home” has become a “tension home,” with some expressing outrage that developers have allegedly collected funds but refuse to take responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Godrej Properties Limited Spokesperson said, “At GPL, our foremost responsibility is to take all necessary steps in the interest of customers and the project. Shree Siddhi Infrabuildcon LLP (“Siddhi”), bears the responsibility to construct the project and is the promoter under RERA. We are continuously taking steps to require them to commence construction, act in good faith, and ensure that their internal issues do not impact the project or customer commitments.

We are also prepared to take all necessary legal measures, including action against Siddhi as advised, to support the commencement of construction at the earliest. Every step we take is guided by the clear objective of protecting our customers’ interests and safeguarding the delivery of their homes.

We want to reassure our customers that GPL will remain vigilant in these efforts. Our focus is on complete transparency and on delivering a project that upholds the highest standards of quality and value that our customers rightfully expect.” DeshGujarat