ED raids 4 premises of Ghaziabad builder Sandeep Singh in ₹41,544 sq m land fraud
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at four premises linked to Ghaziabad-based builder Sandeep Singh, director of Shrasth Propbuild, and office-bearers of Seva Suraksha Sahkari Awas Samiti across Ghaziabad, Noida, and Delhi on Saturday, 27 June. The agency's Lucknow Zonal Office carried out the raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an alleged land and real estate fraud targeting retired paramilitary personnel.
Background of the Fraud
The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of three FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police for offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 — all scheduled offences under the PMLA. According to the FIRs, Sandeep Singh was the principal beneficiary and key conspirator in the alleged fraud.
The Samiti's members — retired officers of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) — were allegedly promised 264 residential flats on half of the Samiti's land, in exchange for granting Singh development rights over the remaining half. The agreement also reportedly included a clause for monthly rent in case of construction delays.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
'He induced the Samiti's members, who are retired officers of the Sashastra Seema Bal, by promising them 264 residential flats on half of the land of Samiti, in exchange for selling or development rights over the remaining half,' the ED said in a statement.
However, the flats were never delivered within the stipulated period. Instead, according to the ED, Singh allegedly sold 41,544 square metres — half of the Samiti's land — to third parties, securing wrongful gains while depriving the retired SSB officers of their entitled housing.
What Was Seized
During the searches, ED officials seized several incriminating documents related to the money trail, properties, and financial statements of the company, all under PMLA provisions. The agency is now probing the generation, concealment, possession, acquisition, and utilisation of proceeds of crime arising from the alleged fraud.
What Happens Next
The ED's investigation is ongoing, with the focus on tracing the complete trail of funds and assets acquired through the alleged fraud. Attachment of properties and further action under PMLA are likely next steps if the money trail is established. The case is significant given that the victims are retired paramilitary personnel, adding a layer of public interest accountability to the probe.