In a significant development in the ongoing probe against Rohtas Projects Limited, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at eight premises — six in Lucknow and two in Delhi — on Wednesday, in connection with an alleged real estate fraud involving hundreds of home and commercial space buyers.
The case stems from an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) registered by the ED in 2021, based on 48 FIRs filed by aggrieved buyers. The number of FIRs has now risen to 87. According to a forensic audit conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA), the estimated Proceeds of Crime (PoC) amount to Rs 248 crore.
All three promoter brothers, Piyush Rastogi, Paresh Rastogi, and Deepak Rastogi, have been on the run for the past four years. Authorities have been unable to make property attachments so far due to a lack of actionable evidence and the accused’s persistent non-compliance. The ongoing searches aim to gather crucial documents and digital records to trace the PoC and facilitate further legal action.
The Rohtas Projects scam first came under the spotlight in 2019 when hundreds of buyers alleged that the promoters had collected crores of rupees for housing and commercial units that were either delayed indefinitely or never delivered. Several projects in Lucknow, including the prominent Rohtas Plumeria development, were left incomplete, triggering legal action and public protests. In response, UP RERA had earlier de-registered multiple Rohtas projects for non-compliance and financial irregularities.
The ED’s current searches mark a renewed push to hold the absconding promoters accountable and provide relief to the defrauded buyers. Officials have indicated that the action is part of a broader crackdown on real estate frauds across Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.