ED Conducts PMLA Searches at Seven Vatika Limited Premises, Seizes/Freezes ₹33 Crore in Assets Over India Next Plot Fraud Allegations

Enforcement Directorate Searches Vatika Limited Premises

The Enforcement Directorate, Gurugram, conducted search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on August 25, 2026, at seven residential and business premises linked to Vatika Limited and its promoter-directors across the Delhi-NCR region.

Assets Seized and Documents Recovered

During the search operations on August 25, various incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered and seized. Further, three high-end luxury vehicles, jewellery and bank accounts/securities having an aggregate value of approximately Rs 33 crore were also seized in accordance with the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.

Pattern of Non-Delivery Over 14 Years

The investigation has revealed a common pattern in transactions relating to the projects Vatika India Next and Vatika India Next-2, wherein substantial amounts were received upfront from complainants towards allotment and sale of residential plots, but a significant portion of the promised plots were not delivered even after the lapse of multiple deadlines.

Against approximately Rs 200.30 crore received from the victim entities between 2010 and 2012, plots worth approximately Rs 120 crore were delivered. The remaining plots were not delivered even after 14 years, despite several attempts by the victim entities to obtain them.

Alleged Unauthorised Sale of Plots

In the same project, the accused persons have also clandestinely sold 14 plots to third parties without taking due consent from the victim company.

Documents and Evidence Seized

During the search operations, the team recovered and seized various incriminating documents and digital devices, including property-related documents about the promoters and directors of Vatika Limited, audited financial statements, Tally data, records relating to the movement/diversion of funds, and details of funds received from the complainants.

Criminal Case Basis

The ECIR recorded against Vatika Limited, Anil Bhalla, Gautam Bhalla, Gaurav Bhalla and others rests on multiple FIRs filed by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police. Those FIRs allege fraudulent inducement, non-delivery of residential plots and related offences.

Vatika Group Context

Vatika Group was founded in 1986 and has since evolved into a diversified real estate organisation with a presence across Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and other parts of North India. The company has delivered over 35 million sq ft of residential and 6.6 million sq ft of commercial and retail developments, with township projects spanning more than 1,200 acres across Gurgaon, Jaipur, and Ambala.