Navi Mumbai Builder Under Fire Over ₹9-Crore Land Deal Controversy

MUMBAI: In a dramatic twist, the Mumbai crime branch and Chembur police apprehended two suspects on Friday who allegedly fired three shots at Navi Mumbai-based builder Sadruddin Khan in a scuffle in Chembur on Wednesday evening.

The two arrested suspects, Firoz Badruddin Khan and his nephew Asgar Akhatar Khan, shared a violent history with the victim. In 2020, Firoz had sold a two-acre land in Kalyan to Sadruddin Khan for ₹9 crore but had never been paid, creating a long-standing issue between the two parties that resulted in violence. The police say the tension arose between the two friends despite their past friendship because Khan refused to pay after he had built a seven-storey building on the disputed land.

A crime branch officer who was aware of the investigation said, “Firoz and his nephew had been searching for the builder for a while.” The tension culminated on Wednesday when the duo saw Sadruddin Khan’s car on a motorcycle. Firoz drove the bike and Asgar was a pillion rider. They chased Khan’s car until it stopped at a traffic signal near Diamond Garden in Chembur.

In desperation, Asgar shot two bullets at Khan, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Police stated that one of the bullets grazed Sadruddin Khan’s face, and another hit his cheek, although its force was reduced by the window glass. Unfazed, the pair carried on their chase for about a kilometre, shooting a third bullet at Maitri Park; however, this bullet went awry and hit Khan’s car.

After the crime, the police in Chembur lodged a case of attempted murder. On Friday, officials apprehended Asgar Khan from the eastern suburbs and seized the pistol that was used allegedly to fire shots. Firoz Khan was arrested shortly afterwards from Mira Road, and the motorcycle used during the chase was also seized. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Datta Nalawade confirmed, “The accused will be brought to court on Saturday.”

Sadruddin Khan was admitted to a Navi Mumbai hospital, where he was operated to have a bullet removed from his cheek.Thankfully, medical experts have indicated that he is no longer in danger, and the police have recovered all three bullets fired at him.

The incident highlights the increasing fears of personal grievances turning into violent clashes, with authorities again emphasizing the need for settling disputes through legal means.