LUCKNOW: In a significant move aimed at accelerating justice for numerous defrauded homebuyers, the Lucknow Police have transferred all cases associated with Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd (APIL) and its promoters to the crime branch for a thorough and impartial investigation.
Officials indicated that this measure intends to systematically investigate the extensive network of real estate frauds that has persisted for almost two decades.
According to data from the Commissionerate, 293 FIRs have been filed against Ansals. Out of these, 244 cases have already been handed over to the Crime Branch, with the remaining 49 to be processed shortly. The allegations include cheating, organized financial fraud, forgery of documents, and land encroachment.
A senior police officer remarked, “This is one of the largest real estate fraud cases in the state. Centralizing the investigation under the Crime Branch will help expose the entire chain of complicity.”
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has been a prominent complainant. In a recent FIR at the Gomtinagar police station, the LDA accused the promoters of selling mortgaged land, encroaching on government plots, and defaulting on dues exceeding Rs 400 crore. Investigations revealed multiple instances where buyers were allocated land that was already under dispute or mortgage, leading to extensive litigation.
The crisis has also impacted the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), where 2,268 complaints have been lodged against APIL. Refund requests alone surpass Rs 235 crore, illustrating the financial hardship faced by numerous families due to stalled projects.
