Ahmedabad Patang Hotel Owner Arrested in Rs.1.56 Crore Fake Plot Scam

SURAT : In a major breakthrough against real estate fraud, Kamrej Police have arrested Umang Haribhai Thakkar, owner of Ahmedabad’s well-known Patang Hotel, for allegedly cheating plot buyers of ₹1.56 crore through a land project in Surat district. Investigators claim the accused launched a residential project on land with an unclear title and collected money from buyers despite having no legal authority to sell the plots.

The case relates to the ‘Nirvana’ project in Kholvad village of Kamrej. According to police, the land showcased for the project had already been sold to another person in 2018. Despite the ownership dispute, the accused allegedly marketed the project, accepted bookings, and promised to allot open plots to prospective buyers.

“The investigation found that the land title was not clear. Even then, plots were sold and money was collected from buyers,” a Kamrej Police official said.

Police said 15 to 16 buyers paid a total of ₹1.56 crore for plots that were never handed over. Despite repeated assurances, neither possession of the plots nor refunds were provided, prompting the victims to approach the police.

Based on complaints filed by the affected buyers, Kamrej Police registered a case in April 2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating and criminal breach of trust.

According to Police Inspector R.B. Gojia, the accused allegedly tried to evade arrest for several months by using his influence. However, investigators eventually tracked him down, arrested him, and produced him before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.

“The investigation is continuing, and we are examining whether more people have been cheated or if additional financial irregularities are linked to the project,” the police official said.

Police have appealed to anyone who invested in the Nirvana project and believes they were defrauded to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.