CBI files 20th charge sheet in homebuyers fraud cases; Ajnara India, bank officials named

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its 20th charge sheet in the ongoing investigation into large-scale homebuyers fraud cases, naming Noida-based builder M/s Ajnara India Limited, its promoters/directors, and 15 public servants associated with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, PNB Housing Finance, and Sammaan Capital, an official statement said on Thursday.

The charge sheet pertains to alleged fraudulent activities linked to the housing project “Ajnara Ambrosia” at Sector-118 in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida. It has been filed before the Special Judge (CBI) at the Rouse Avenue District Courts in New Delhi.

According to the agency, the investigation revealed that the builder company and its promoters/directors allegedly induced homebuyers and investors through false assurances and misleading representations, enabling them to secure financial gains through illegal and deceptive means.

The CBI said it had gathered substantial evidence during the probe and filed the charge sheet under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust.

The case forms part of a wider investigation launched by the agency pursuant to directions issued by the Supreme Court into alleged diversion of funds and cheating of homebuyers by real estate developers in collusion with officials of financial institutions.

The CBI is currently investigating 34 other cases involving various builder companies and unidentified officials of financial institutions across the country in connection with alleged homebuyer fraud and fund diversion.

The agency noted that it had earlier filed 19 charge sheets against several real estate firms, including Rudra Buildwell Constructions, Dream Procon, Jaypee Infratech, AVJ Developers, CHD Developers, Logix City Developers, Shubhkamna Buildtech, Ninex Developers, Earthcon Universal Infratech and others, along with officials of certain banks and financial institutions.

Reiterating its commitment to combating economic offences, corruption and public fraud, the CBI said it would continue to pursue cases that adversely affect the interests of homebuyers and ordinary citizens.

IANS