Landlord Harassment — House rental advance not returned

Address:

HSR Layout, Bangalore

Hi, I booked a house on rent from Mr. Ayub on 9th March with date of moving 31st March. But because of lockdown on 25th March I couldn't move. My owner insisted to move in first week of May but I denied by saying that its still not safe I can move by 1st June. So he gave the house to someone else which is fine but he's not even returning the Rs 19, 000 advance I paid.

Can you help me in this matter. As a proof I have our conversation on SMS only.

I went to local police station as well and the officer confronted the landlord in front of me. He agreed with my situation but the owner had few contacts. Finally officer said that they can't do anything I should call consumer helpline.

Consumer helpline said that they can handle queries against registered companies only.

If you can't help me. Could you please direct me to a decent platform related to landlord issues.