Businessman alleges threats and defamation over property dispute in Ahmedabad

A property dispute in Ahmedabad’s Memnagar area has escalated into police action after a local businessman filed a formal complaint against another party, alleging threats, defamation, and extortion attempts.

According to the complaint filed by Tanay Sajendrabhai Shah, a resident of Makarba and a partner in Aryan Buildinfo LLP, the dispute centres around Shop No. 19 in the Aryan Work Space-3 commercial complex, located opposite Manav Mandir in Memnagar. 

The shop was initially leased to a pizza business, operated by Arpan B Panchal under the brand ‘Leo Pizza’. However, after suffering business losses, Panchal closed the shop on January 25, 2024. Subsequently, the property was sold to Amulbhai Somabhai Desai through a registered sale deed, transferring ownership.

Despite the transfer, Shah alleged that Desai began defaming Aryan Buildinfo LLP, claiming that the building had structural faults and warning prospective buyers against purchasing property there. Desai allegedly installed banners outside the shop labelling the builder a ‘cheater’ and ‘fraud’, causing reputational damage to the firm.

Further, Shah accused Desai of issuing death threats, using abusive language, and demanding Rs 1.8 crore to buy back the shop, or alternatively, seeking nearly Rs 45 lakh in compensation for loss of rental income after the closure of the pizza business. Shah also claimed that Desai had harassed him and his employees at the firm's office in Navrangpura and threatened to shut down the entire commercial scheme.

Based on Shah’s detailed complaint, the Vastrapur police station registered an FIR and initiated an investigation under relevant sections. Police said further inquiries are ongoing to determine the full scope and identify any additional individuals involved.