At least 28 Maharashtra government employees from departments including the Home Department in Mantralaya, the DGP’s office, the Rationing Department, and other allied services, were allegedly duped of over Rs 2.61 crore by a retired bureaucrat who promised them ownership of government flats in Powai’s Hiranandani Gardens.

The accused, Rajesh Govil, who served as under secretary with the Home Department and retired as deputy secretary from the Planning Department in May 2025, allegedly convinced the employees, residents of the Blue Bell staff quarters in Powai that he could get the flats transferred into their names.

A senior Mantralaya official told mid-day, “When we realised we were being cheated, 19 out of the 28 officers came forward to file a police case.” An FIR was registered on July 19 at the Powai police station by Umesh Chandiwade, under secretary in the Home Department and resident of Blue Bell.