For thousands of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), buying a home in India is more than just an investment—it is a deeply personal commitment. It is a way to return to their roots, care for ageing parents, and secure a place for retirement. But for several buyers of the Ozone Urbana township in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, that heartfelt dream has spiraled into a painful saga of delays, legal battles, and lost hope.
Among those affected are many from the UAE, including retired officers from the Air Force, Navy, and Army. For them, the betrayal is not only financial but deeply personal.
“It’s heartbreaking. There are ex-Air Force, Navy, and Army officers in tears. These are people who fought for our country. Their money has been stolen, and no one is held accountable,” said Noronha, one of the aggrieved buyers.
The Promise That Was Never Delivered
The Ozone Urbana project, marketed as a sprawling, self-sustaining township in Devanahalli—close to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport—attracted a significant number of NRI buyers. Many were lured by glossy brochures, model flats, and promises of luxury amenities, green spaces, and timely possession.
Buyers were told their homes would be ready within a stipulated time frame. However, years have passed, and for many, the structures remain incomplete. In several cases, construction has come to a complete halt.
Financial and Emotional Toll
The financial losses are staggering. One Dubai-based NRI reported being duped of ₹2 crore, money painstakingly saved over decades. For others, the sums may differ, but the emotional damage is uniform.
“We sent money from our hard-earned salaries abroad, trusting the Indian legal system to protect us,” said another buyer. “Instead, we’ve been left in limbo, paying EMIs for homes we can’t live in.”
For retired defence personnel, the betrayal cuts even deeper. Many invested their retirement funds, expecting to settle down in a peaceful environment. Today, they find themselves battling developers in courtrooms instead of enjoying their golden years.
Legal Battle Without Closure
Buyers have filed cases in consumer courts and under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which was supposed to safeguard homebuyers from such predicaments. Yet, progress in these cases has been slow, and enforcement of rulings remains patchy.
Some complain that even when courts rule in buyers’ favour, developers find ways to delay compliance—either through appeals, financial restructuring, or simply ignoring orders.
The Broader NRI Housing Crisis
The Ozone Urbana case is not an isolated incident. Across India, many NRIs have fallen victim to delayed or stalled projects. Real estate scams targeting overseas Indians are on the rise, often exploiting the buyers’ inability to physically monitor construction progress.
Industry experts warn that without stricter enforcement of RERA provisions and quicker dispute resolution, the trust of NRIs in Indian real estate could erode further.
A Call for Accountability
For the UAE-based victims of Ozone Urbana, the fight is far from over. They are united in their demand for justice, accountability, and restitution of their investments.
“We didn’t come to India asking for favours,” said Noronha. “We came as citizens, with faith in the system. That faith is now hanging by a thread.”
Until there is decisive action, the sprawling land in Devanahalli that was once meant to be a vibrant township will remain a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises and the steep price of misplaced trust.
