Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Vibhag Pramukh Ganesh Chukkal, 46, has been arrested by Powai police in connection with an alleged fraud involving a luxury apartment at Hiranandani Estate in Powai. He is accused of forging the signature of Alka Bhatia-Hiranandani, sister of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, and altering a lease document to claim a 30-year tenancy for the property.
A court has remanded Chukkal to police custody until October 5.
According to police, Flat No. 3505 in the Odonio building, along with two parking spaces, is owned by Melronia Hospitality Private Limited. Alka Bhatia-Hiranandani, Kamal Niranjan Hiranandani and Shridhar Narayan are listed as directors of the company.
Police said Chukkal, who is a director of Bryce Infrastructure, originally leased the apartment from Melronia Hospitality in 2018 for 36 months. The agreement included a security deposit of ₹15.3 lakh and a monthly rent of ₹2.55 lakh.
Investigators allege that Chukkal stopped paying rent from October 2019. Although he reportedly assured the company that the outstanding amount would be cleared, the payments were allegedly not made. The company terminated the lease in 2020 and instructed him to vacate the apartment.
Three-year agreement allegedly converted into 30-year lease
After Chukkal allegedly declined to leave the premises, the company approached the police. During the subsequent proceedings, Chukkal reportedly submitted an affidavit claiming that the apartment had been leased to him for 30 years.
Police investigation allegedly found that the original three-year lease document had been modified to represent a 30-year agreement. Chukkal is accused of forging the signatures of all three directors and submitting fabricated notarial paperwork that purportedly dated back to 2004.
Investigators also noted that the disputed document allegedly lacked a notary serial number and carried an unclear notarial stamp, raising questions over its authenticity.
Chukkal had previously obtained interim bail in the matter. However, following further investigation, Powai police arrested him.
Police have also stated that Chukkal faces allegations in a separate firing case involving a contractor in Kurla.
The Powai police are continuing their investigation into the alleged forgery, disputed lease agreement and property-related fraud.
Source: Lokmat Times
