Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into an alleged builder fraud after receiving a complaint during the Janata Darshan programme.

The complaint alleges that a builder operating in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Noida registered the same residential flat in the names of multiple purchasers, causing financial losses to homebuyers.

Inquiry Ordered into Allegations

Taking serious note of the complaint, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned authorities to:

• Conduct a detailed investigation.
• Verify all property transactions.
• Examine registration records.
• Identify affected homebuyers.
• Take strict legal action if wrongdoing is established.

He stated that victims should receive justice in accordance with the law if the allegations are substantiated.

Same Flat Allegedly Sold to Multiple Buyers

According to the complaint submitted during Janata Darshan, the builder allegedly:

• Sold the same residential unit to multiple buyers.
• Executed or promised multiple allotments.
• Collected money from different purchasers.
• Caused financial hardship and prolonged uncertainty for homebuyers.

Authorities have been directed to verify ownership records, allotment documents and transaction history relating to the disputed properties.

Additional Complaints Also Raised

Apart from the builder fraud allegation, several grievances presented before the Chief Minister involved:

• Property-related cheating
• Illegal land encroachment
• Criminal intimidation
• Land ownership disputes

Officials have been instructed to investigate every complaint impartially and initiate legal proceedings wherever violations are found.

Action Against Illegal Encroachments

The Chief Minister also directed authorities to take stringent action against individuals who are found to have:

• Illegally occupied land
• Threatened lawful owners
• Obstructed legitimate property rights

Police and district administrations have been asked to respond promptly to such complaints.

Faster Investigation of Property Disputes

Officials have also been instructed to accelerate investigations involving:

• Builder fraud
• Property disputes
• Illegal land transfers
• Encroachments
• Real estate-related financial offences

The objective is to ensure timely relief for affected citizens while prosecuting those found responsible.

Property Fraud Remains a Major Risk

Real estate experts note that common forms of property fraud include:

• Selling the same property to multiple buyers
• Concealing ownership disputes
• Misrepresenting title documents
• Hiding regulatory violations
• Forged agreements
• Fake approvals

Such practices can result in significant financial losses and lengthy legal disputes for purchasers.

Due Diligence Before Buying Property

Experts recommend that homebuyers independently verify:

• Ownership records
• Title documents
• Encumbrance certificates
• Project approvals
• Regulatory registrations
• Development authority permissions
• Sale agreements
• Litigation history

Payments should always be made through traceable banking channels with complete documentation.

Digital Evidence Increasingly Important

Modern builder fraud investigations often involve examination of:

• Digital payment records
• Electronic sale agreements
• Email communications
• WhatsApp messages
• Online booking records
• Registration databases
• Banking transactions

Such evidence helps investigators establish transaction timelines and identify potential irregularities.

Investigation Continues

Authorities will now examine:

• Property ownership records
• Sale registrations
• Financial transactions
• Documentary evidence
• Statements of complainants
• Responses from the concerned builder

Further legal action will depend upon the findings of the investigation.

The allegations remain under inquiry and have not yet been adjudicated by a court.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Shunyatax Global says that before purchasing any residential property, buyers should independently verify the title, approvals, encumbrance status and ownership history rather than relying solely on marketing material or builder representations. Legal due diligence and document verification before payment are significantly less expensive than resolving ownership disputes after purchase.