In 2013, renowned real estate developer Vikas Oberoi, known for his prestigious projects and luxurious residential complexes, has found himself embroiled in a legal battle. A resident of one of his flagship projects, Oberoi Splendour, has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against him, accusing him of fraudulent practices and not delivering on the promises made to flat owners. The FIR has been filed with the Meghwadi police in Jogeshwari, and the matter is currently under investigation.
The complainant, identified as Mohit Bhardwaj, resides in Oberoi Splendour, an upscale residential project situated on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road. Bhardwaj claims to represent several other flat owners who have been persistently fighting against the developer for the past couple of years. Their main contention lies in the alleged discrepancies between the promised specifications and the delivered reality of their purchased flats.
According to Bhardwaj’s complaint, not only were the flats smaller in size than what was initially promised, but the height of the ceilings also fell short of the agreed-upon measurements. Furthermore, the amenities and facilities assured to the buyers, including a club house, swimming pool, squash court, spa, party hall, jogging park, tennis court, amphitheatre, camping site, plaza, landscaped garden, bamboo garden, skating rink, and gazebo, were either missing or grossly inadequate.
The situation escalated as the completion of the project neared. Flat owners discovered that the number of flats on each floor was significantly higher than the initial plan indicated. To their dismay, instead of the promised camping site and amphitheatre, the developer opted to construct another building called Oberoi Grande. This resulted in the addition of approximately 400 more apartments, raising suspicions of dishonest practices and financial impropriety.
The cumulative effect of these alleged discrepancies led the complainants to assert that they have been collectively defrauded of an astounding amount, with the total sum reaching Rs 142.56 crore. Distraught and aggrieved, the residents sought legal recourse and approached the Magistrate’s court, which subsequently ordered the filing of the FIR against Vikas Oberoi.
In response to the FIR, an Oberoi Realty spokesperson expressed shock and refuted all allegations made by Bhardwaj. The spokesperson asserted that the FIR was baseless and the claims presented were factually incorrect. Oberoi Realty maintained that they had fulfilled all their legal obligations and acted in accordance with the highest principles of corporate governance and ethical business practices. The spokesperson also pointed out that none of the legal forums approached by the complainant had provided any relief in favor of Bhardwaj’s claims.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved and what evidence will be presented to substantiate the allegations made by the resident. For now, the case stands as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of due diligence for property buyers and the need for transparent and accountable practices in the real estate sector. Additionally, it underscores the significance of government authorities and regulatory bodies in overseeing and ensuring fair dealings within the industry.