Fake journalist arrested in Navi Mumbai ₹19 lakh housing fraud case; multiple criminal cases registered against him

The Navi Mumbai Police have arrested a man who allegedly posed as a journalist on social media and cheated people of ₹19 lakh by promising them houses at discounted rates in Ulwe. The accused, identified as Shailendra Dev Prakash Dwivedi, was also wanted in connection with several criminal cases registered across Maharashtra, police said.

According to police records, Dwivedi has been named in multiple FIRs registered across Maharashtra since 2023. These include cases at Bhiwandi Taluka (FIR No. 721/2023), Ganeshpuri (175/2023), NRI Sagari (257/2026 and 131/2026), Kalwa (667/2025), Rabale MIDC (178/2025), Ulwe (393/2026) and Nerul police stations (597/2023 and 588/2026). The cases involve allegations of murder, attempted murder, extortion, offences under the Arms Act, gutkha-related violations and inciting communal sentiments.

Mr. Kale said Dwivedi was also wanted in connection with cases registered at Rabale MIDC, Kalwa and NRI Sagari police stations.

Dwivedi was apprehended at a hotel in Lonavala, Pune district, shortly after midnight on November 12, following a search based on technical analysis. He was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him to four days of police custody.

According to Amit Kale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2), Navi Mumbai, Dwivedi allegedly presented himself as a journalist on social media and promised people houses in Ulwe at prices lower than the prevailing rates.

Police said he collected ₹19 lakh but failed to provide the promised accommodation. Following a complaint, a case was registered at Ulwe police station on October 7 under Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to criminal breach of trust and cheating.

Dwivedi had been absconding since the case was registered. Despite being issued a notice to appear before investigators, he failed to comply, prompting the police to launch a search for him.

A team from Ulwe police station subsequently traced him to Lonavala through technical analysis and took him into custody at approximately 12.04 a.m. on November 12.

The police further alleged that Dwivedi had used social media platforms, including Twitter, to threaten police officers and others while evading arrest.

Mr. Kale said the police stations where Dwivedi was wanted had been informed of his arrest. Further investigation is underway.

India / Mumbai / Maharashtra / news media / fraud / corruption & bribery