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Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd (API) is facing a growing legal battle in Lucknow, with five new FIRs filed for allegedly defrauding customers of INR 5.78 crore. These cases involve the sale of government land using forged documents, with some buyers having paid large sums for properties that were never delivered. This brings the total number of ongoing investigations in Lucknow to approximately 70. Authorities have initiated further action, including an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and concerns raised by the Lucknow Development Authority over the company's failure to develop promised infrastructure.
Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd (API), a prominent real estate developer, is facing serious legal scrutiny in Lucknow, where five additional First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against the company for defrauding customers of INR 5.78 crore. These new cases, lodged at the Sushant Golf City police station, stem from allegations that the company misrepresented land and property deals, resulting in significant financial losses for a number of individuals. Advertisement
One of the primary complainants, Sanjeev Agarwal, a businessman from Lucknow, claims to have paid INR 5 crore in 2022 for a land deal facilitated by API. However, Agarwal later discovered that the company had fraudulently registered sale deeds for government land and, in some cases, sold the same land to multiple buyers using forged documents. This practice not only left Agarwal without the property he had paid for but also highlighted a much broader issue of fraudulent land transactions orchestrated by the company.
Another complainant, Colonel Kunendra Singh Yadav, reported that he had booked a 1,291 sq ft flat in the 'Basera Deluxe' project in April 2013 by paying INR 26.11 lakh. Despite repeated follow-ups, Yadav has never received possession of the flat, and the case is now part of the ongoing legal action against the company. Yadav's situation is not unique, as several other buyers have shared similar experiences.
Harishankar Jaiswal from Azamgarh also came forward with a complaint, stating that he had paid INR 11.5 lakh in 2010 to book a plot and another INR 20.13 lakh in 2011 to secure a flat. Despite these payments, Jaiswal, like many others, has received neither possession of the plot nor the flat even after more than 15 years. This case, too, is part of the newly filed FIRs, further adding to the mounting list of complaints.
Shashi Verma, another aggrieved buyer from Rajajipuram, reported that he booked a plot in 2010 in one of Ansal's residential projects, depositing INR 11.28 lakh. However, after years of waiting, he has neither received possession of the plot nor been refunded the amount he paid.
Sanjay Kumar Srivastava from Ashiana also accused Ansal Properties of misleading him with incorrect land measurements and for collecting INR 9.94 lakh for a plot booking that was never honoured.
Earlier this year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure that FIRs are registered in all districts where buyers have been allegedly duped by the company. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a committee, including both officials and affected homebuyers, to present strong evidence against the company in court. Adityanath also reiterated the government's stance on not tolerating such fraudulent activities, ensuring that the interests of homebuyers are safeguarded.
The legal proceedings and investigations are still ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure justice for the affected buyers. The mounting number of FIRs and investigations signals that the real estate giant's alleged practices will be subject to more scrutiny in the coming months.
The scale of the fraud and the number of victims are alarming, and the case highlights the ongoing issue of consumer protection within the Indian real estate sector. As investigations progress, the hope is that the affected buyers will receive justice, and the case will serve as a reminder of the need for stringent regulations and oversight in the industry.
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