Surat: A multi-crore land fraud case has been registered at Kamrej police station in Surat against Ahmedabad-based businessmen and owners of the iconic Patang Hotel, Umang Thakkar, Neel Thakkar and Kantha Thakkar, over an alleged scam linked to the “Sahajanand Nirvana” project in Kholvad village. Police have launched a search operation and conducted raids at the accused’s premises.

According to the complaint filed by Pushpakbhai Dineshbhai Patel (36), a resident of Radhepark Society near Jahangirabad in Surat, the accused, partners in Satya Sankalp Buildcon LLP, allegedly duped him of ₹65.59 lakh by offering plots in the project through misleading advertisements and false assurances.

Police said the accused widely promoted the Sahajanand Nirvana project in 2025 through banners and advertisements, luring buyers with offers of affordable plots. Patel, attracted by the scheme, visited the site and was convinced by sales representatives about the project’s legitimacy and pricing. He later spoke to Umang Thakkar over the phone and proceeded to book a plot in his wife’s name, paying the amount in instalments.

However, the fraud came to light when it was found that the land in question had already been sold in 2018 to another person, Deepakbhai Nagjibhai Patel. Investigations further revealed that the project lacked mandatory RERA approval and that a court case related to the land was already pending at the time the plots were being marketed.

Police sources said the accused allegedly continued to sell plots despite legal disputes over the land, misleading multiple buyers. Authorities are now probing whether others were similarly defrauded and whether there was any wider nexus involved in the scam.

Meanwhile, as news of the fraud surfaced, banners and advertisements related to the project were reportedly removed overnight. The case has sparked discussion in real estate and business circles, especially given the accused’s association with a well-known Ahmedabad landmark. Police said further investigation is underway to trace the accused and uncover the full extent of the fraud. DeshGujarat