Ahmedabad’s real estate sector is embroiled in controversy as businessman Rakesh Lahoti has filed an FIR against builder Kamlesh Gondalia, accusing him of a multi-crore property scam. The complaint, lodged with the DCP Crime Office, enumerates grave charges including the creation of fake documents, illicit property re-sales, financial deception, and criminal breach of trust by Gondalia, his family, and related companies. The alleged fraudulent activities occurred between 2019 and 2025, involving Lahoti’s investment in several key properties through his companies, Clearsky Tradelink LLP and Rakesh Investment Co. These included prime real estate such as flats in Takshashila Elegna, land in Kheda’s Nayka area, a bungalow in Ambli, and units in Treasure Enclave, Bopal. Lahoti asserts that despite paying the full purchase price, possession and ownership rights were never transferred. He further claims that Gondalia’s group deliberately falsified RERA portal information, marking the properties as ‘unbooked’ while securing mortgages or reselling them to others. The FIR details a Rs 3 crore transaction in June 2025, presented as a ‘loan repayment,’ which Lahoti contends was a deliberate attempt to mask the fraud. The complaint also highlights alleged threats and intimidation by Gondalia when Lahoti sought resolution. Violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, related to cheating and organized crime, are cited. Lahoti has supplied substantial documentary proof to the authorities and is advocating for a thorough investigation, freezing of tainted properties, and audits of Gondalia’s projects to prevent further damage to the real estate market and consumer trust.
