The Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police has arrested builder Sohail Abdullah Dukka in connection with alleged illegal sale of flats in a slum redevelopment project at Jogeshwari West.
The case relates to the “One Jogeshwari” Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) redevelopment project located at Behram Baug in Jogeshwari. Authorities allege that crores of rupees collected from flat sales were diverted into personal accounts instead of designated RERA-linked project accounts.
The arrest marks another major enforcement action involving alleged financial irregularities in Mumbai’s redevelopment sector.
Complaint Filed by Partner in Unique Developers
According to police officials, the case originated from a complaint filed by Mohammad Momin, who alleged that Sohail Abdullah Dukka misappropriated large amounts of money while acting as a partner in Unique Developers, the firm executing the redevelopment project.
The complainant alleged that the accused independently sold around 10 flats in the project between 2023 and December 2025 without proper authorization.
Police stated that the flats were allegedly sold below prevailing market rates and the sale proceeds were diverted into:
• The accused’s personal bank account
• Accounts linked to his proprietary concern, Unico Traders
Investigators claim this violated partnership terms and financial compliance obligations associated with the project.
Alleged Diversion of More Than ₹10 Crore
According to the complaint, the estimated market value of the flats sold was approximately ₹14.9 crore.
However, investigators allege that nearly ₹10.67 crore was unlawfully diverted by the accused through unauthorized transactions.
The Economic Offences Wing is examining:
• Sale agreements
• Banking transactions
• Partnership documents
• RERA-linked financial records
• Project approvals and allotment details
Officials are also probing whether additional unauthorized sales took place in the redevelopment project.
Builder Already in Jail in Another Criminal Case
Police confirmed that Sohail Abdullah Dukka is already lodged in jail in connection with another case registered at the MIDC Police Station.
The latest arrest adds to the ongoing legal troubles faced by the developer.
Authorities are expected to investigate whether similar financial irregularities exist in other projects connected to the accused.
Importance of RERA-Linked Bank Accounts
Investigators stated that the redevelopment project consisted of multiple residential towers and that the partnership agreement clearly mandated that all proceeds from flat sales be deposited into designated RERA-linked bank accounts jointly operated by authorized partners.
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016:
• Developers must maintain project-specific bank accounts
• 70% of buyer collections must remain within the project account
• Funds cannot be diverted for unrelated purposes
• Financial transparency must be maintained
The alleged diversion of funds into personal accounts may amount to serious violations of financial and regulatory norms.
SRA Redevelopment Projects Under Increased Scrutiny
The case has once again highlighted concerns surrounding transparency and financial accountability in Slum Rehabilitation Authority projects across Mumbai.
Experts note that redevelopment projects often involve:
• Large-scale financial transactions
• Multiple stakeholders
• Rehabilitation obligations
• Regulatory approvals
• Complex partnership structures
Any misuse of funds or unauthorized sale of units can severely impact homebuyers, investors and rehabilitation beneficiaries.
Impact on Homebuyers and Investors
Legal experts say buyers in redevelopment projects should carefully verify:
• RERA registration details
• Authorized project bank accounts
• Builder credentials
• Ownership documents
• Partnership structure
• Approved inventory details
before purchasing flats.
Unauthorized sales or diversion of project funds may create complications involving:
• Possession delays
• Ownership disputes
• Financial losses
• Incomplete construction
• Litigation risks
Mumbai Real Estate Sector Faces Growing Regulatory Oversight
The arrest reflects increasing enforcement by agencies against alleged fraud and financial misconduct in the real estate sector.
Authorities have recently intensified scrutiny on:
• Illegal flat sales
• Diversion of project funds
• Non-compliance with RERA norms
• Unauthorized marketing of units
• Fraudulent redevelopment practices
The case is expected to proceed further as investigators continue examining financial records and project transactions.
Conclusion
The arrest of builder Sohail Abdullah Dukka by the Economic Offences Wing in the Jogeshwari SRA redevelopment case has drawn attention to alleged misuse of buyer funds and unauthorized flat sales in Mumbai’s redevelopment sector.
The investigation may further strengthen regulatory oversight over SRA and redevelopment projects, particularly concerning compliance with RERA-linked financial safeguards and transparency obligations.
Homebuyers and investors are advised to thoroughly verify project documents, RERA compliance and authorized payment channels before investing in redevelopment projects.