Pune Builder Booked for Abetment After Retired Officer’s Death at Construction Site in Baner

Baner, 23rd February 2026: Pune city police have registered a case of alleged abetment to suicide against a real estate developer and his son following the death of a retired power utility official who fell from a high-rise construction site in the Balewadi area earlier this month.

Police identified the deceased as Naresh Umakant Mahajan, 69, a resident of Ambarnath in Thane district. Investigators said he died after falling from the seventh floor of an under-construction building at a housing project in Pune on February 16.

According to Senior Police Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant, in-charge of Baner police station, the police initially recorded the incident as an accidental death. He said the case was later reviewed after the victim’s family approached police with a written complaint and material they claimed was left behind by him.

The complaint was filed by the victim’s son, who accused builder Jayantilal Tarachand Oswal and his son Rishabh Oswal, residents of Bhavani Peth. Police said a note allegedly written by the deceased was recovered from his pocket and mentioned the builder, prompting registration of an abetment case. Officials clarified that the document does not clearly describe the exact nature of the dispute.

Investigators said Mahajan had earlier purchased a five-guntha plot in Baner. Before the pandemic lockdown, the developer acquired adjoining land parcels, after which Mahajan reportedly entered into a development agreement. Under a registered memorandum of understanding, the builder allegedly promised him 11 flats, two parking spaces and monthly payments.

Police said disagreements later arose over construction delays and related issues. Officers added that Mahajan had travelled from his hometown to the project site shortly before the incident. The building structure is accessible to visitors, as prospective buyers often come to inspect apartments.

Authorities said further investigation is underway to verify the note’s contents, examine agreement documents and determine whether evidence supports the abetment charge.