The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in a high-profile real estate fraud case involving the 'Ansal Hub-83' project located in Gurugram, by attaching immovable properties worth ₹82 crore. This action, executed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, underscores the agency's commitment to combat financial misconduct in the real estate sector. The project, which encompasses a land area of approximately 2.47 acres, includes 147 commercial shops, 137 office spaces, and two restaurant units, raising serious concerns about its compliance with regulatory frameworks.
The investigation by the ED was triggered by a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Haryana Police in June 2023. The FIR implicated the promoters and senior officials of Ansal Housing Limited, including its whole-time director, Kushagra Ansal, along with associated entities like Samyak Projects Private Limited and Aakansha Infrastructure Private Limited. These actions were spurred by complaints from the HUB-83 Allottee Welfare Association, which represents over a thousand investors claiming they were misled by false assurances regarding the project. The allegations highlight that the developers sold commercial units before acquiring necessary statutory approvals, continuing to collect funds even after the project license expired in December 2015.
Further investigations revealed a troubling trend of complaints from investors to the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA), citing delays in possession, incomplete construction, and illegal fund collection. Despite promises of timely possession and high-quality facilities, investors have been left without an occupation certificate for nearly 15 years. The ED's findings indicate that the funds collected from investors, amounting to over ₹82 crore between 2011 and 2023, were not utilized for the project's completion but were instead diverted for personal gains by the developers.
In a preemptive measure to safeguard the interests of the investors and prevent any potential disposal of assets, the ED has provisionally attached the project land and its current construction. This action is aimed at thwarting any attempts that could undermine future confiscation proceedings under the PMLA. As the investigation continues, the ED aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the real estate sector, providing a clearer path for aggrieved investors seeking justice in this protracted saga.