Bombay High Court Directs Pune Police Chief to Address Housing Fraud Claims by Policemen

The Bombay High Court has directed the Pune Police Commissioner to file a detailed response to allegations that thousands of police personnel were defrauded in a housing scheme, observing that the matter was serious enough to warrant judicial intervention.

A division bench comprising Justices A S Gadkari and R R Bhonsale was hearing a petition filed by several retired police personnel who alleged that a housing project launched in 2009 by BE Bilimoria & Company failed to deliver promised flats despite the passage of over 16 years. The petitioners claimed they have neither been allotted the homes nor received refunds for the amounts invested.

According to the plea, around 5,023 serving and retired police personnel invested approximately Rs 277 crore in the housing project through the Maharashtra Police Mega City Co-operative Housing Society Limited. The court noted the allegation that the investors’ hard-earned money had either been misappropriated or they had been cheated by the developer.

The bench said that while such cases are typically pursued through private complaints before a magistrate, the gravity of the allegations justified the court’s involvement. It expressed concern that policemen themselves were allegedly being denied the benefit of a proper investigation by the local police station.

The petitioners further alleged continued police inaction despite filing a formal complaint on October 17, 2023, along with follow-up representations, at the Vimantal Police Station in Pune. The lack of response prompted them to approach the High Court seeking directions.

Taking note of the issue, the court specifically asked the Pune Police Commissioner to consider the plight of his own colleagues while addressing the grievance. The bench directed the police chief to submit a comprehensive reply by December 16, 2025.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 17, 2025.