Mumbai: Real estate agent shot at in Kandivali, probe on — this shocking headline has sent ripples through the city’s property market and local community. The brazen daylight attack on a real estate agent in Kandivali West has triggered a full-scale investigation, raising serious questions about the underbelly of Mumbai’s real estate business. In this blog, we dig deep into what happened, who’s involved, and what this means for real estate agents, property disputes, and crime in the real estate sector.
What Happened: The Kandivali Shooting
The Incident Details
On a Wednesday afternoon in Kandivali (West), around 2 pm, Freddy D’Lima, a 42-year-old real estate agent, was walking toward his parked car after stepping out of a friend’s shop near Father Susai English High School. At that moment, three men on a motorcycle approached him. One of them, wearing a helmet, dismounted and fired two shots at D’Lima before the trio sped off.
He was hit — one bullet in his abdomen and another in his chest. Despite the severity of his wounds, D’Lima managed to drive himself to Oscar Hospital, where doctors later removed both bullets.
The Immediate Aftermath
Police responded quickly. CCTV cameras in the Charkop–Kandivali area captured the assailants before and during the attack, and a forensic team scoured the scene for clues. Authorities have officially registered a case under attempt to murder, among other relevant sections.
According to police sources, D’Lima had reportedly received a threat call three days prior to the shooting — someone warned him of dire consequences. That call was recorded and submitted as evidence, suggesting that this might not have been a random attack.
Who Is the Victim — The Real Estate Agent Under Attack
Freddy D’Lima is a well-known estate agent operating in Kandivali West. At 42, he’s been active in real estate for years, dealing with property brokering, redevelopment projects, and local clients. The fact that he survived the shooting — and drove himself to a hospital — speaks to his presence of mind, but the attack has exposed a frightening vulnerability.
The Investigation: Probe On and Arrests Made
Mastermind Arrested
Just a day after the attack, Charkop police arrested a 34-year-old man, Munna Mayuddin Shaikh (also referred to as “Guddu”), whom they believe is the mastermind behind the shooting. Police think Shaikh coordinated the assault.
During interrogation, investigators hope to uncover who ordered the hit, who financed it, and whether there were deeper motives related to property deals or redevelopment.
The Shooters Apprehended
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch successfully traced the three bike-borne assailants to a village near Pune. Police say the accused attempted to flee through a forested stretch and were captured after a prolonged chase.
The arrested suspects are:
Rajesh Ramesh Chauhan alias Daya, 42, from Kandivali
Subhash Bhikaji Mohite, 44, from Virar
Mangesh Eknath Chaudhari, 40, from Bhor (Pune)
Also detained is Roshan Singh alias Krishna, 25, from Mira Road, for allegedly assisting the shooters.
These arrests bring the total accused in the case to five.
Possible Motives Under Investigation
Police sources suggest the motive might be financial, possibly linked to redevelopment disputes. There’s speculation that differences over a slum redevelopment deal could have sparked the violence.
Some officers believe the mastermind and the shooters may have been hired as contract killers.
Why This Shooting Matters for the Real Estate Sector
Real Estate Risks Go Beyond Market Fluctuations
This attack shines a harsh light on violent risks in the real estate business — not just financial or legal ones. Real estate agents, developers, and brokers sometimes operate in highly contested environments, especially in areas where redevelopment, money disputes, and land ownership overlap.
Impact on Local Property Market
Such incidents can shake buyer confidence. When violence enters real estate dealings, people may reconsider buying or investing, especially in regions with redevelopment-driven disputes. Agents working in these zones might also face increased security concerns or reputational risk.
Trust and Transparency Under the Microscope
With the probe revealing possible financial motives, the case amplifies calls for more transparency, due diligence, and regulatory oversight in property transactions. Stakeholders may demand stricter background checks, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and safer working conditions for agents.
Reactions from Community and Law Enforcement
Local Residents: The Kandivali community is shaken. A broad-daylight shooting near a school has raised fears and prompted residents to demand more policing and CCTV coverage.
Police: Senior officials, including DCP (Zone XI) Sandeep Jadhav, have personally visited the crime spot. Multiple CCTV angles are under review as investigators piece together the timeline.
Crime Branch: Unit 11 is leading the interrogation of all arrested suspects. According to sources, they are questioning motives, funding sources, and possible involvement of other parties.
Broader Context: Real Estate Crime in Mumbai
While this case is shocking, violence in real estate is not entirely new in Mumbai:
In 2024, a retired teacher was duped of ₹1.25 crore in a property fraud involving a flat in Kandivali.
There was also a previous case where a real estate agent and his wife were found dead in their Kandivali home under suspicious circumstances.
These incidents show that real estate in Mumbai isn’t just about land and buildings — it can also intersect with crime, fraud, and personal vendettas.
What’s Next: What to Expect from the Ongoing Probe
Interrogation of Mastermind: Munna Shaikh’s questioning will be critical. Investigators will try to uncover who hired him, why the attack was ordered, and whether more people were involved.
Detailed Forensics: Forensic teams are analyzing CCTV footage, looking at exit routes, and probing the weapon used.
Motive Clarification: Police will dive deeper into the alleged property dispute or financial enmity to establish the link.
Legal Proceedings: The arrested suspects could face serious charges, including attempt to murder, conspiracy, and possibly contract killing.
Security Measures: Post-incident, there may be calls for tighter security around real estate offices, agents, and redevelopment sites in Kandivali and similar neighborhoods.
Implications for Real Estate Professionals
Increased Risk Awareness: Real estate agents in high-stakes zones should stay alert and ensure personal safety.
Dispute Resolution Protocols: Developers and agents might need to push for clearer agreements, dispute-resolution frameworks, and stronger contracts to prevent escalation.
Use of Technology: Installing CCTV, using GPS tracking, and documenting every meeting could become more common to deter crime and provide evidence.
Collaboration with Authorities: Real estate firms may work more closely with local police and security agencies to ensure the safety of their agents.
Conclusion
Mumbai: Real estate agent shot at in Kandivali, probe on — these words capture not only a terrifying event but also a stark reminder that the real estate business can sometimes be a dangerous game. The investigation is ongoing, and the arrests made so far hint at a tangled web of conflict, money, and possibly revenge. Whether the motive is a property dispute, financial tension, or something more sinister, this case underscores how real estate conflicts can spiral far beyond boardrooms and bank accounts.
As the probe continues, all eyes are on the Mumbai Crime Branch to unravel the truth, bring the shooters to justice, and restore a sense of security in Kandivali’s property community.
For those navigating property deals and looking for trustworthy advice, Dedicated Real Estate remains a beacon of reliability and integrity — and as Kolkata’s number one real estate company, they understand the value of safety, transparency, and professional diligence. Connect with Dedicated Real Estate to explore your options, make informed decisions, and trust in a partner who prioritizes both your investments and well-being.
Contact Details
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- Phone: +91 6291422636
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