In a shocking turn of events, the Economic Offence Wing of Delhi Police has arrested P D Gaikwad, a senior technical assistant at Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU), in connection with a cheating and misappropriation case involving more than Rs. 11 crores. The arrest follows allegations of inducing JNU professors on the pretext of providing affordable housing through a purported DDA approved land pooling policy.
Formation of Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organization (NSSWO)
According to police reports, in 2011, Gaikwad formed the Noble Socio-Scientific Welfare Organization (NSSWO) and claimed to provide affordable housing under the DDA land pooling policy. The accused, in his capacity as the President of NSSWO, convinced professors from JNU and IIT Delhi to become members, enticing them with a proposed housing project in the L-Zone.
Allegations and Deceptive Practices
Complainants allege that Gaikwad, under the guise of progress updates, collected membership fees and payments for flats. In 2015, he took them to view a piece of land in the L-Zone, but failed to provide any documents supporting the land purchase. Over the years, it became apparent that the promised housing project was a sham, and Gaikwad was deceiving the complainants.
Changing Societies and Email Correspondence
In 2019, Gaikwad informed complainants about launching a different society, Siddhartha Officers Housing & Social Welfare Society, without holding a General Body Meeting (GBM) with NSSWO members. Despite numerous requests for the return of their money, complainants received no acknowledgment. Gaikwad is accused of collecting over Rs. 11 crores from members and misappropriating the funds.
Investigation and Revelations
During the investigation, materials and brochures provided by complainants revealed the deceptive nature of Gaikwad’s presentations. Despite claiming DDA approval, it was confirmed that DDA had not issued any license or granted approval for the housing project. RERA (Delhi) also confirmed that NSSWO had not registered itself. Bank account scrutiny disclosed that Gaikwad siphoned off funds through cash withdrawals and transfers.
Arrest and Modus Operandi
After concerted efforts to locate Gaikwad, he was arrested on December 14. Gaikwad, aware of other societies exploiting the DDA land pooling policy, capitalized on the trend. Exploiting his position at JNU, he attracted professors and government employees into NSSWO, collecting funds under false pretenses. From 2011 to 2021, he amassed over Rs. 11 crores, using the money for unauthorized cash withdrawals and transfers, leaving victims in the lurch.
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