Lucknow, Jan 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major crackdown on alleged financial fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s Lucknow Zonal Office has provisionally attached 75 immovable and two movable properties worth Rs 158.85 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, an ED statement said on Friday.
These assets, with a current market value exceeding Rs 350 crore, are linked to M/s Rohtas Project Limited and its associates, accused of duping homebuyers through unfulfilled township schemes.
The attachments include immovable properties valued at Rs 141.21 crore registered in the names of Deepak Rastogi, promoter of the Rohtas Group; associated companies; Vardan Township Private Limited; benami holders of the Rohtas Group; and M/s Adhyaye Realty Infrastructure LLP.
"Movable assets worth Rs 17.64 crore are in the name of M/s Highness Infra Developers Private Limited. All immovable properties are located in Lucknow," the statement added.
The ED's investigation stems from 33 FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police under various IPC sections.
"Rohtas Project Limited floated schemes like 'Sultanpur Road Project', 'Raebareli Road Project', and 'Rohtas Plumeria', allowing customers to book plots, lands, or flats with a promise of possession after 30 months or a 150 per cent refund on booking amounts," the statement said.
However, the projects remained undeveloped, and refunds were denied, leaving buyers in the lurch.
The probe revelations indicate that promoters diverted customer funds to acquire lands via associate companies and benami entities, it said.
To conceal these assets, holdings were transferred to Vardan Township Private Limited and M/s Adhyaye Realty Infrastructure LLP.
Some parcels were acquired by Deepak Rastogi from benamidars and mortgaged with banks to layer and integrate proceeds of crime, securing clean funds.
This follows an earlier attachment in October 2025 of 68 immovable properties worth Rs 110.05 crore, bringing the total to Rs 268.9 crore.
The case highlights systemic issues in real estate, where fraudulent schemes prey on aspiring homeowners.
"Victims, many from middle-class families, have lost life savings, sparking calls for stricter regulations," the statement added.
ED officials said the attachments aim to recover laundered money and ensure justice.
Further investigation is ongoing, with potential for more seizures.
Real estate experts urge buyers to verify developer credentials and opt for RERA-registered projects to avoid such scams.
Source: IANS
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