- Ahmedabad Crime Branch names Kamlesh Gondaliya, family members in cheating and forgery probe
- New evidence submitted; probe widens into Sub-Registrar’s Office and suspected stamp duty violations
NE LAW & BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 27
In a major development in a high-stakes fraud and cheating case, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has issued a lookout circular against Kamlesh Gondaliya, the owner of Takshashila Construction Group, along with his son Parthil and two other family members — Deepti and Avni Gondaliya. The circular follows allegations of large-scale financial fraud involving multiple investors and property buyers.
The action comes after businessman Rakesh Lahoti lodged a complaint on October 17, accusing Kamlesh and his associates of defrauding him of several crores of rupees. Since the registration of the FIR, the accused have been absconding, prompting fears they might attempt to flee the country. Acting on this intelligence, the Crime Branch issued the lookout circular on Saturday.
Earlier, in April this year, when Lahoti had first alerted authorities about the fraudulent activities, Kamlesh and his son had sought anticipatory bail from the Sessions Court. The court had rejected their plea but directed that a seven-day notice be given before any arrest if an FIR was filed. That notice period has now expired, yet both Kamlesh and Parthil remain untraceable and have not approached the court. In contrast, Deepti and Avni Gondaliya have moved bail applications, which are listed for hearing on October 28 (Tuesday).
In a fresh twist, complainant Rakesh Lahoti has presented new documentary evidence to the Crime Branch, potentially strengthening the case. The evidence reportedly includes a document from the Sub-Registrar’s Office, showing that Kamlesh allegedly forged the signature of Jyoti Lahoti (Rakesh’s wife) to illegally cancel a registered Agreement to Sell — without the couple’s knowledge. Lahoti has also produced a written assurance from Kamlesh stating that the flats remained in his name, which now appears to be part of a larger deception.
Investigators are now expanding the probe to include officials from the Sub-Registrar’s Office amid suspicions of collusion and violations of stamp duty norms. Sources indicate that the alleged fraud may extend beyond Lahoti’s case, as several other buyers in the Takshashila Aligna project have come forward claiming similar grievances. Around 25 to 30 victims reportedly convened a meeting recently to explore collective legal action against Kamlesh Gondaliya and his company.
Authorities said further arrests are likely as the investigation widens, with the Crime Branch scrutinising financial transactions, property records, and possible institutional complicity.
