ED Provisional Attachment in Rohtas Project Ltd. Case: ₹110.05 Crore Properties Seized under PMLA.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement, Lucknow Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹110.05 crore (having a market value above ₹300 crore) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The properties, located in Lucknow, are registered in the names of associate companies and LLPs linked to the Rohtas Group and controlled by the LJK Group. The action follows revelations of large-scale fund diversion and fraudulent real estate practices in two township projects — “Sultanpur Road Project” and “Raebareli Road Project.”

Background:

1. The ED investigation was initiated based on 83 FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
2. M/s Rohtas Project Limited launched two housing schemes promising buyers possession of land or a 150% refund after 30 months, but failed to deliver either.
3. The promoters allegedly diverted buyer deposits to purchase large tracts of land and acquire assets in the names of associate companies and benamidars.
4. These assets were later transferred to LLPs controlled by the LJK Group, masking the trail of illicit money and concealing the proceeds of crime.

ED’s Findings:

1. Funds collected from customers were not utilized for the intended township development.
2. The Rohtas Group’s associate companies acquired over 100 beegha of land using diverted funds.
3. These land-holding entities and benami properties were later transferred to M/s Amalya Constructions LLP and M/s Amyra Infrastructure LLP, both controlled by LJK Group, to obscure ownership and control.
4. The attached properties, worth ₹110.05 crore, represent proceeds of crime laundered through a network of shell entities.

Legal Provisions Discussed:

1. Sections 3 & 5, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Definition of money laundering and powers for provisional attachment of property.
2. Relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 – As invoked in 83 FIRs related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.

Current Status:

The attachment order has been issued provisionally, and further investigation is under progress to trace additional assets and identify the ultimate beneficiaries of the laundered funds.

Authority: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Lucknow Zonal Office

Date of Action: 28 October 2025

Date of Press Release: 30 October 2025

Law Involved: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

Value of Attached Properties: ₹110.05 Crore (market value exceeding ₹300 Crore)

Entities Involved:

1. M/s Rohtas Project Limited
2. M/s Amalya Constructions LLP
3. M/s Amyra Infrastructure LLP
4. LJK Group