Gandhinagar: A local court has directed Adalaj police to register an FIR against Pacifica Developers Pvt Ltd and its associates, holding that a homebuyer’s complaint prima facie discloses cognisable offences such as cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy, requiring a criminal investigation rather than a civil inquiry.

The case stems from a complaint by Rachana Sharma, who booked a flat in the ‘Reflections’ project near Vaishnodevi Circle in November 2012 for ₹66.49 lakh. Despite full payment, possession was not handed over by the promised date of October 2, 2015.

Sixth Additional Judicial Magistrate First Class Ekta Kanwar Chandrawat rejected a police report that had termed the dispute civil, noting clear elements of criminal wrongdoing. Sharma had earlier secured relief from Gujarat RERA in 2019 and 2020, including directions for sale deed execution, interest, and compensation.

The complaint alleges the developer later fabricated a June 23, 2020 letter to cancel the booking and unilaterally credited ₹61.37 lakh to her account, which she returned. It also claims the same flat was sold to a third party in November 2020 during ongoing proceedings.

While Adalaj police had earlier found no offence, the court, citing a Supreme Court ruling, said criminal action is maintainable even if civil remedies exist. It added that the alleged acts go beyond a breach of contract and warrant a detailed probe.