Swapnil Agarwal, a successful entrepreneur and founder of the real estate investment firm Nitya, has filed a lawsuit against Shalin Mehta in Harris County, Texas. The complaint was lodged on May 2, 2025, accusing Mehta of defamation and business disparagement. This legal battle stems from an email sent by Mehta to over 110 investors of Nitya Capital, which allegedly contained false and damaging statements about Agarwal's personal and professional conduct.
According to the court documents, Swapnil Agarwal claims that Shalin Mehta disseminated defamatory remarks via email on March 18, 2025. In this communication with other investors, Mehta accused Agarwal of "illegal drug use" and "sexual affairs within the Nitya office during business hours." Furthermore, he suggested that Agarwal planned to flee to India amidst financial dealings. These allegations were not only unfounded but also damaging to Agarwal's reputation as a reputable businessman who has invested significant personal resources into his company since its inception in 2013.
Agarwal argues that these statements have caused him severe reputational harm and emotional distress. He maintains that the accusations are entirely false and were made with malice or negligence by Mehta. The plaintiff contends that such actions have resulted in damages including mental anguish and professional harm. Despite requests for retraction, Mehta has reportedly refused to withdraw his statements.
In his lawsuit, Agarwal seeks recovery for actual damages along with exemplary damages due to what he perceives as malicious intent by Mehta. He is asking for compensation for reputational damage and emotional distress without needing proof of special damages due to the nature of libel per se involved in this case. Additionally, he seeks pre-judgment interest, post-judgment interest, costs of court proceedings, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Swapnil Agarwal are attorneys Shahmeer Halepota, DJ Ringquist, and Harrison Scheer from Ahmad Zavitsanos & Mensing PLLC. The case is being overseen by Judge Joshua Hall under Case ID 2025-31 337 in the District Court of Harris County.