The entertainment world was shocked on Sunday, January 4, 2026, when news broke that reality TV star Jay Dudhane arrested at the Mumbai airport. Jay, who became a household name after winning Splitsvilla 13 and finishing as the first runner up in Bigg Boss Marathi 3, was taken into custody by the Thane police. The arrest is related to a massive real estate scam involving a sum of ₹4.61 crore. This development has sent ripples through the industry, especially since the actor recently celebrated his wedding just a few days ago.
Who is Jay Dudhane?
For those who follow Indian reality television, Jay Dudhane is a very familiar face. He is a professional fitness trainer and model who first grabbed the spotlight when he won the dating reality show Splitsvilla 13. His popularity reached new heights when he entered the Bigg Boss Marathi 3 house. His aggressive yet strategic gameplay made him a fan favorite, and he eventually emerged as the first runner up of that season.
Beyond reality shows, Jay has worked as a gym entrepreneur and has appeared in Marathi films and music videos. He recently married social media influencer Harshala Patil in December 2025, and pictures of their lavish wedding were trending online just last week. Unfortunately, the news of Jay Dudhane arrested has now overshadowed his recent personal milestones.
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The Details of the Real Estate Scam
According to the reports from news agency PTI, the Jay Dudhane fraud case came to light after a retired engineer filed a formal complaint. The victim alleged that Jay and four members of his family convinced him to buy five commercial shops located in Thane. However, these properties were already mortgaged to a bank, making the sale illegal and fraudulent.
The police revealed that the victim was misled through the use of forged documents. Jay and his family members allegedly presented a fake bank clearance letter to prove the property was debt free. They also showed a counterfeit demand draft worth ₹4.95 crore to gain the trust of the retired engineer. The real estate scam was only exposed when the bank eventually issued a seizure notice on the shops, leaving the buyer in a state of shock and financial loss.
Legal Action and Investigation
Senior Police Inspector Pravin Mane confirmed that the Jay Dudhane arrested news is accurate and that the actor was intercepted at the airport while he was reportedly trying to leave for a trip. The Thane police have booked Jay and his family members under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and forgery.
The authorities are currently conducting a deep investigation into the Jay Dudhane fraud case to see if more people were targeted in a similar manner. The police stated that the use of highly sophisticated fake documents suggests a planned effort to defraud the investor. While Jay has yet to release an official statement through his legal team, the investigation is moving forward rapidly.
Impact on the Victim and Next Steps
The retired engineer who filed the FIR stated that he invested his life savings into these commercial shops. The loss of ₹4.61 crore is a devastating blow for any individual, and the victim is now seeking justice through the legal system. The exposure of the real estate scam through the bank notice was the final straw that led him to the police.
The police are now looking into the roles of the four family members mentioned in the FIR. It is expected that more details will emerge as the Thane police scan the bank accounts and property records linked to the actor. For now, the Jay Dudhane fraud case remains a developing story that has highlighted the risks involved in high value property deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jay Dudhane arrested?
Jay Dudhane was arrested at the Mumbai airport on January 4, 2026, in connection with an alleged real estate scam worth ₹4.61 crore. He is accused of selling mortgaged properties using forged documents.
Which reality shows has Jay Dudhane participated in?
Jay is the winner of Splitsvilla 13 and was the first runner up of the popular reality show Bigg Boss Marathi 3.
Who filed the FIR against Jay Dudhane?
A retired engineer filed the FIR after he was allegedly defrauded of over ₹4 crore during the purchase of commercial shops in Thane.
What are the charges against him?
The police have booked Jay and his family members under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for crimes related to forgery and cheating.
Is anyone else involved in the Jay Dudhane fraud case?
Yes, the police report mentions that four of Jay’s family members are also named in the FIR for their involvement in the alleged scam.
