In a heartbreaking story coming from Mumbai, TV actor Surendra Pal Singh, famous for his role as Dronacharya in Mahabharata, and 480 other home buyers are still waiting for their homes. They had invested their hard-earned money into the RNA Corp Builder’s housing project on Mira Road, Mumbai, back in 2010. But after 14 years and paying nearly 90% of the flat’s price, these buyers still haven’t received possession of their flats.
This housing scam has not only affected Surendra Pal but hundreds of others who continue to live in rented homes while still repaying hefty loans. The project, now stuck in legal limbo, was halted in 2021 by the Supreme Court, leaving the dreams of these 480 buyers shattered.
480 People Lost Their Dream Homes to Builder Fraud
The issue dates back to 2010 when 480 people, including well-known actor Surendra Pal Singh and film director Vinod Tiwari, trusted the RNA Corp project on Mira Road, Mumbai. Many of these people took out loans, worked long hours, and put their life savings into buying flats. They were promised possession within a reasonable time frame, but even after 14 years, their dream homes remain incomplete.
Surendra Pal Singh, who spent Rs 60-70 lakh on the flat, is now forced to live in a rented one-room apartment. He shared in a press conference how this betrayal has affected him deeply. The emotional toll is high, with some buyers even experiencing mental health issues due to the prolonged uncertainty.
The builder, Anubhav Agarwal, who is responsible for the incomplete project, allegedly diverted Rs 538 crore from this project into his other companies. He was arrested once for trying to flee the country but has since left the project in limbo. Now, these 480 buyers are seeking help from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Surendra Pal Singh: “We Are Waiting for Help”
Surendra Pal Singh, like many others, feels betrayed. In his heartfelt appeal, he expressed his hope that PM Modi would help them get their long-awaited homes. He said, “We are home buyers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he has always talked about the welfare of the people. Now, we hope that he will help us too.”
Surendra Pal also shared how the failure to get the flat affected his family life. His children, tired of waiting for their dream home, have left him. The financial and emotional strain has left him exhausted, with only a glimmer of hope remaining from the government.
Home Buyers Demand Immediate Action and Compensation
The home buyers have made their demands clear. First, they want possession of their flats without any more delays. The flats are almost 90% complete, yet the builder left them unfinished, leaving buyers with no resolution in sight. Secondly, they are asking for compensation from RNA Corp for the 14 years of delay.
For many buyers, the delay has been a significant financial burden. Some have already passed away, while others continue to pay rent for temporary accommodations while still repaying loans on flats they haven’t received. The ongoing legal battles have added to the stress, and they now seek relief through government intervention.
Supreme Court’s Involvement and the Stalled Project
In 2021, the Supreme Court intervened and ordered a status quo on the project, halting all progress. Now, the buyers are asking for that order to be lifted so they can finally take possession of their homes. The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) is also stuck due to the Supreme Court’s order, and the buyers demand that this process move forward so they can receive their flats.
The case has dragged on for too long, and the buyers hope that the court, the RP appointed for the case, and the government can work together to resolve this matter swiftly.
14 Years of Waiting: Mental and Financial Strain
The emotional and financial toll on these buyers cannot be overstated. Many of them are in the final stages of their lives, and they no longer want to live in uncertainty. For 14 years, they have faced financial difficulties, repaid loans, and paid rent for temporary homes, all while their promised flats remain unfinished.
They hope that justice will be served soon and that they can move into the homes they dreamed of all those years ago. The delay has caused immeasurable suffering, and the home buyers demand that RNA Corp and Anubhav Agarwal be held accountable for their actions.
