Once celebrated Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre and her husband, film producer Goldie Behl, have become embroiled in a legal dispute following allegations of land fraud and regulatory violations in the Maval area of Pune district, Maharashtra. The case has been filed by a local farmer, Chandrakant Shinde, who claims ownership rights over the disputed property.
The controversy centres on approximately 30 gunthas of land—equivalent to nearly 32,000 square feet—in Vadgaon Maval. According to the complainant, his family has held legitimate possession of the land since 1957. He alleges that Goldie Behl unlawfully interfered with these long-standing rights by transferring the property into his own name through fraudulent means and subsequently attempting to carry out unauthorised construction on the site.
Shinde further claims that his family was subjected to intimidation and pressure in an effort to force them to relinquish their claim over the land. He also alleges that prior attempts to seek redress through the police were unsuccessful, leaving him with no option but to approach the civil court. The matter is currently being heard at the Vadgaon Maval Civil Court and remains sub judice.
In response, Sonali Bendre and her legal representatives have categorically denied all allegations. They maintain that her name does not appear in any official land records or transaction documents related to the property, insisting that the accusations are entirely baseless and misleading.
The defence counsel has also stated that the complainant had previously submitted multiple petitions before the Tehsildar and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, all of which were dismissed at the administrative level. According to the defence, these earlier rejections further weaken the claimant’s case.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for 20 April, when both parties are expected to present detailed arguments. The administration is also reportedly examining relevant land records to determine the lawful ownership of the disputed property.
The case has drawn considerable public attention, not only due to the involvement of a high-profile celebrity couple but also because it highlights broader concerns surrounding land documentation, inheritance claims, and alleged irregularities in property transactions in rapidly urbanising regions.
Key Details of the Dispute
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Location of land | Maval, Pune District, Maharashtra |
| Area involved | ~30 gunthas (approx. 32,000 sq ft) |
| Complainant | Chandrakant Shinde (local farmer) |
| Accused parties | Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl, and two others |
| Nature of allegations | Land fraud, illegal transfer, intimidation |
| Claimed ownership period | Since 1957 (family possession) |
| Current status | Case pending before Vadgaon Maval Civil Court |
| Next hearing date | 20 April |
As the proceedings continue, the outcome is expected to carry implications not only for the parties involved but also for the scrutiny of land ownership records and dispute resolution mechanisms in the region.