ED Searches Seven Premises Linked to Vatika Group Over Alleged ₹260 Crore Plot Fraud
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Gurugram Zonal Office, conducted search operations on August 25, 2026, at seven residential and business premises linked to M/s Vatika Limited and its promoter-directors across the Delhi-NCR region. The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving the group’s residential projects.
The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Vatika Limited, its promoter-directors Anil Bhalla, Gautam Bhalla and Gaurav Bhalla, along with others. The investigation is based on multiple FIRs registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The complaints reportedly involve allegations of fraudulent inducement, failure to deliver residential plots and other related offences.
According to the ED’s preliminary investigation, a common pattern of alleged irregularities has emerged in transactions linked to the projects “Vatika India Next” and “Vatika India Next-2”. The agency found that substantial amounts were collected upfront from complainants for the allotment and sale of residential plots, but a significant number of the promised plots were not delivered despite repeated deadlines.
The investigation indicates that approximately ₹260.30 crore was received from the victim entities between 2010 and 2012. However, plots worth only around ₹120 crore were reportedly delivered. The remaining plots allegedly remained undelivered even after 14 years, despite repeated efforts by the affected entities to secure their allotments.
The ED has also found indications of the involvement of several land-owning and group entities, along with key individuals associated with the Vatika Group. In another alleged irregularity linked to the same project, the accused persons reportedly sold 14 plots to third parties without obtaining the required consent from the victim company.
During the search operations, officials recovered and seized several documents and digital devices considered relevant to the investigation. These included property-related records belonging to the promoters and directors of Vatika Limited, audited financial statements, Tally data, records detailing the movement and alleged diversion of funds, and information about payments received from complainants.
In addition, three high-end luxury vehicles, jewellery, and bank accounts and securities with an aggregate value of approximately ₹33 crore were seized or frozen in accordance with the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.
The investigation is ongoing, with the ED examining the financial transactions, asset trail and alleged diversion of funds connected to the Vatika projects.
News Source : Directorate of Enforcement (ED) – Official Press Release, Government of India
