MUMBAI: A legal battle over the ownership of the prized Marina Manor estate on Bandra’s Bullock Road, estimated to be worth Rs 600 crore, has escalated into a web of accusations involving fraud, forgery, and intimidation. Marina Manuel Fernandes, who faces accusations of fabricating a will to assert her claim on the estate, has filed a police complaint and sought to retract a Power of Attorney given to a notable builder and a political figure. According to Marina, she has been a victim of systematic fraud. Her claim to the estate is also contested, following a Bombay High Court ruling that stayed probate proceedings on a disputed will in February 2023. The property’s value is underscored by its proximity to Mannat, Shah Rukh Khan’s residence, which has led to heightened security around Marina Manor with bouncers on guard.
On September 18, Mumbai Mirror reported an arrest warrant issued for Dr. Ajay P. Keni, accused of cheating and forgery related to a falsified medical certificate. Six months prior, Marina filed a comprehensive complaint at the Bandra Police Station and approached the Dindoshi Court to revoke her Power of Attorney, naming several key figures involved in the alleged fraud, including realtor Ravindra Walia and BJP leader Avadhut Anil Tatkare. She alleges these individuals manipulated her into signing blank documents and forged papers, using the POA to illegally withdraw significant funds from accounts they coerced her into opening.
Marina maintains that the conspiracy began when Tatkare and associates misled her into believing that Remy Fernandes, her aide, was acting against her interests. They offered financial help to settle her debts, but instead forced her to sign agreements, aware that the High Court had suspended all transactions related to the property. She claims they made her sign numerous documents without giving her a chance to read them, even bringing a notary to facilitate the process.
In July 2023, she alleges she was taken to meet Parth Mehta, where she signed over 20 documents under pressure. Financial transactions continued through her accounts, with significant sums withdrawn without her authorization. Marina also reported an assault on her friend Joseph Clarence Remedios, who attempted to assist her.
According to Marina, initial transfers into her new HDFC Bank account in early 2024 were followed by suspicious payments labeled ‘Deed of Transfer’ and ‘Bandstand Agreement Payment’. When she raised questions, she was threatened with property document destruction. Marina suspects the accused are not only deceiving her but are also scamming various builders and investors using documents fraudulently signed by her. She has filed for an FIR under relevant sections of law. Her complaint states that approximately Rs 60 lakh was deposited into her accounts, of which around Rs 23 lakh was allegedly misappropriated by the accused. “I am fighting against those who misled me, seized control of my property, and failed to compensate me,” she said.
Tatkare has distanced himself from the situation, claiming ignorance of the details. “I was not deeply entangled in this issue. My partners managed the property deal, and I am unaware of any financial misconduct,” he stated. In response, Ravindra Walia called Marina a fraud, asserting that they have supported her financially whenever she asked. “Instead of scrutinizing us, her actions should be under investigation. We have already initiated legal action against her,” he added.
The legal team representing Parth Mehta did not respond to Mirror’s inquiries before publication.
SI Ravindra Salunkhe from Bandra Police Station noted, “I need to gather information regarding the current state of the case before offering further comment.”
