Several buyers and investors in Mumbai-based Kamla Landmarc group are on the warpath, claiming that the developer had failed to deliver its projects as per promised timelines, with some projects being stuck for the past 8 years.

Project Delays Plague Kamla Landmarc Buyers

Established in 1974 Kamla Landmarc is a known name in Mumbai real estate circles, a fact that had led many buyers to invest in the company’s projects. But in spite of collecting 60% to 70% of the total cost, these projects have stalled and now many buyers are accusing the company of breaking its promises.

“I invested in Atlantis in 2012. The project was supposed to come up in Bhandup West but till today, no construction has started. He has shattered all our dreams of being home.” laments Sadhan Kothake, one of the buyers of Kamla Landmarc group.

“My father had invested in three projects of the group and had paid up almost 50 lakhs. My father passed away a few months ago. Now when I follow up with the builder, he just gives lame excuses for the delays”, complains Pawan Suresh, another buyer of Kamla Landmarc group.

Judging by the state of affairs, it is clear that the State Industrial and Investment Corporation of Maharashtra (SICOM), has seized several of the company’s under-construction units for non-payment of dues. Even the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has pulled up the company for alleged violations in its projects.

@kamlalandmarc frustrated customer made the mistake of buying an apt in ur project. Care to respond? Waiting for a meeting since 2 YEARS!

— Prianca Gata (@VroomKat) October 17, 2014

Kamla Landmarc Blames Government For Delays

When NDTV confronted the management of Kamla Landmarc, they blamed the government for delaying approvals, which in turn led to finances drying up.

“From 2012, there have been a lot of changes in the government policies as well the BMC policies have changed. We have around 40 odd projects going on in Mumbai and a lot of them are stuck due to lack of cash flows.” claims Jinendra Jain, joint managing director of the Kamla Landmarc Group.

But when NDTV tried to get him to elaborate on what specific delays were caused by the government, he refused to comment.

While Kamla Landmarc has to bear the brunt of the blame, real estate experts say the government should also have acted earlier instead of allowing the problem to progress this far.

“Realtors should be more responsible, however I would also say that the onus also lies on the BMC and the state government because they should also understand that if somebody is making a mistake or doing something wrong, they should have been pulled up there and then, rather than waking up 50 or 60 years later.” says Sandeep Sadh, CEO of Mumbaipropertyexchange.com

Buyers To File Complaints Against Developer

The company’s customers have given up hope of their homes being completed and are just asking for their money back.

“There are grave irregularities in the construction. We are also given to understand that getting the Occupation Certificate (OC) may be next to impossible. Now I just wish to get my money back with interest.” says Mark D’ Souza, another buyer.

Several buyers have now formed into groups and are now considering filing police complaints against the developer. These buyers have also gained support from Maharashtra Congress Seva Dal leader, Rakesh Shetty who has promised to take the matter up with the highest levels of government.

“I have taken appointment of commissioner of police. He has assured that justice will be done as there are more than thousands of investors and this scam is worth more than Rs 1,000 crores.” says Rakesh Shetty.

Join the movement against M/s Kamla Landmarc Group who have cheated Investors all across mumbai. Pls write ur… https://t.co/VVu94AiaYm

— Rakesh Shetty (@Rakeshmulund) June 23, 2016

Stories such as these have become increasingly common in India as developers continue to break promises leaving buyers out in the cold. But now, these buyers are fighting back, banding together to file collective legal suits and complaints. And with the Maharashtra government pushing ahead with its plans to launch RERA, these buyers may soon have another weapon in their arsenal.

Reporter : Ashwini Priolker
Web Editor : Nikhil Narayan Sivadas