Land Fraud: In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed search operations in Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, at 11 premises on January 9, 2024, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The focus of the operation is a case linked to Sudhir Goyal, a colonizer, and other associates.
The ED investigation stems from 18 FIRs registered by UP Police against Sudhir Kumar Goyal, his wife Rakhi Goyal, and other associates. It has brought to light a complex land fraud involving Goyal’s deceptive sale of plots in illegal colonies developed without proper conversion of agricultural land or necessary approvals from statutory authorities. The magnitude of the scam is estimated to exceed Rs. 100 Crores.
“Sudhir Goyal, Rakhi Goyal, and three other associates—Alok Kumar alias Jagga, Jai Singh, and J P Singh—have already been apprehended by UP Police and are presently behind bars. The ED’s search operation has yielded incriminating documents, including sale/purchase agreements, partnership deeds, complaints from deceived investors, and details of various bank accounts. Additionally, the ED has frozen multiple bank accounts belonging to the accused persons;;.
The crackdown on this land fraud highlights the ED’s commitment to exposing financial crimes and ensuring accountability. Further investigations will likely delve deeper into the intricacies of the scam and bring all culpable parties to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against fraudulent practices in the real estate sector and the imperative need for stringent regulatory measures.
