Lucknow, Jan 23 (NationPress) In a significant move against alleged financial misconduct, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from its Lucknow Zonal Office has provisionally seized 75 immovable and two movable properties valued at Rs 158.85 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as stated by the ED on Friday.

The seized assets, currently worth over Rs 350 crore, are associated with M/s Rohtas Project Limited and its affiliates, who are accused of deceiving homebuyers through unfulfilled township projects.

The properties attached include immovable assets worth Rs 141.21 crore registered under names such as Deepak Rastogi, the promoter of the Rohtas Group, various associated companies, Vardan Township Private Limited, benami holders, and M/s Adhyaye Realty Infrastructure LLP.

Furthermore, movable assets valued at Rs 17.64 crore are held by M/s Highness Infra Developers Private Limited, with all immovable properties located in Lucknow.

The ED's investigation originates from 33 FIRs filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police under different sections of the IPC.

According to the statement, Rohtas Project Limited launched schemes like 'Sultanpur Road Project', 'Raebareli Road Project', and 'Rohtas Plumeria', enticing customers to book plots, lands, or flats with a promise of delivery after 30 months or a 150 percent refund on booking fees.

However, the projects did not materialize, and buyers were denied refunds, leaving them stranded.

Investigations reveal that promoters misappropriated customer funds to purchase lands through associate companies and benami entities.

To obscure these assets, transfers were made to Vardan Township Private Limited and M/s Adhyaye Realty Infrastructure LLP.

In some instances, Deepak Rastogi acquired parcels from benamidars and secured them with banks, layering and integrating proceeds of crime to obtain legitimate funds.

This follows a previous attachment in October 2025 of 68 immovable properties valued at Rs 110.05 crore, raising the total to Rs 268.9 crore.

The case underscores critical issues in the real estate sector, where fraudulent schemes target aspiring homeowners.

The statement noted, "Victims, many from middle-class families, have lost their life savings, prompting demands for stricter regulations."

ED officials emphasized that these attachments are intended to recover laundered funds and deliver justice.

Ongoing investigations may lead to further seizures.

Real estate experts advise buyers to verify developer credentials and choose RERA-registered projects to steer clear of such scams.