Dholera Smart City has once again come into the spotlight, but this time not for its ambitious development plans, rather for a shocking scam worth ₹14.71 crore. A real estate businessman from Punjab’s Ludhiana has filed a police complaint, accusing a local resident of duping him under the false promise of high returns from investment in land linked to the Gujarat government’s mega smart city project.
The Victim and the Accused
The complainant, identified as Gagandeep Singh from Khanna, runs a real estate firm. According to his statement, Ludhiana’s Basant Vihar resident Rajendra Kumar, also known as “Doctor,” lured him into investing huge sums of money by promising government-approved land deals in Dholera Smart City, Ahmedabad.
Kumar allegedly assured Singh and other investors that plots would come with all legal approvals, including NA certificates, NOCs, clear land titles, and RERA permissions. He further offered attractive returns, claiming a monthly commission of 2% to 6%. To strengthen his claims, the accused even shared WhatsApp chats and forged documents as “proof.”
Timeline of the Fraud
Between 2018 and 2023, Rajendra Kumar repeatedly convinced Singh and his investors to transfer large sums of money into his bank accounts. Some payments were also made in cash at various places in Ludhiana. Believing the claims, Singh not only invested his personal savings but also pooled funds from other investors.
The total transaction amounted to a staggering ₹14.71 crore, which Singh transferred in the hope of securing prime land under the Dholera Smart City project.
Discovery of Fake Documents
The scam unraveled in January 2024 when Singh began pressuring Kumar for land possession, official mutation, and measurement of the plots. At that point, Kumar stopped meeting him and avoided all contact. Suspicious of foul play, Singh approached Gujarat’s Revenue Department to verify the documents.
Authorities confirmed that the land records were fake. The plots that were shown to Singh and his partners were already registered in the names of private real estate companies, and none of the documents provided by Kumar held any legal validity.
Police Complaint and Legal Action
Following the shocking revelation, Singh lodged an FIR against Rajendra Kumar. Based on the complaint, Ludhiana police registered a case under Sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), and 467 (forgery of valuable documents) of the Indian Penal Code.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Amol Singh, who is investigating the matter, confirmed that the scam involved ₹14.71 crore. He added that the police are now scrutinizing financial records and property registries in Gujarat to trace the flow of money and identify other possible accomplices.
How the Scam Exploited the Dholera Smart City Name
Dholera Smart City is one of Gujarat’s most ambitious projects, promoted jointly by the central and state governments as part of India’s smart city mission. The project covers thousands of hectares and is projected to become a hub of modern infrastructure, industries, and real estate.
Because of its growing popularity, Dholera has become a hotspot for genuine investments. However, this fame has also attracted fraudsters who exploit its name to lure unsuspecting investors. The promise of “government-approved land” and “assured high returns” creates a trap for those who fail to verify documents with official authorities.
Investor Caution Advised
This incident serves as a warning for potential investors. Experts advise that before investing in Dholera Smart City or any other large-scale project, individuals should:
- Verify land records directly with Gujarat’s Revenue Department.
- Check approvals with RERA and other regulatory bodies.
- Avoid paying large sums in cash.
- Consult legal advisors before finalizing property deals.
Key Details of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Gagandeep Singh (Real Estate Businessman, Khanna) |
| Accused | Rajendra Kumar alias “Doctor” (Resident of Basant Vihar, Ludhiana) |
| Amount Cheated | ₹14.71 crore |
| Period of Fraud | 2018–2023 |
| Method | Fake land documents, promises of high returns, cash & bank transfers |
| Project Used | Dholera Smart City, Ahmedabad |
| FIR Sections | 420, 465, 467 IPC |
| Status | Investigation underway, financial records being checked |
Also read: Dholera Smart City: India’s First Greenfield Futuristic Smart City
Broader Impact
The scam not only highlights the growing menace of real estate frauds in India but also exposes how ambitious government-backed projects can be misused by fraudsters. The name Dholera Smart City, which is meant to represent development and opportunity, was exploited as a tool for cheating.
Police sources indicate that more victims may come forward as the investigation progresses, since scams of this magnitude often involve multiple investors across states. Authorities are also working with Gujarat’s revenue officials to ensure that no more such fraudulent transactions are carried out in the name of the smart city project.
Also read: Dholera International Airport: India’s Emerging Global Aviation Hub
Conclusion
The Dholera Smart City scam of ₹14.71 crore is a stark reminder of how greed for high returns can blind even seasoned businessmen. While the government continues to develop India’s first greenfield smart city with modern infrastructure and industrial potential, investors must remain vigilant and conduct thorough due diligence before making any financial commitments.
If handled strictly, this case could serve as an example to deter future frauds and protect the credibility of transformative projects like Dholera Smart City.
