Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: Questions have been raised over the investigation into an alleged builder fraud exceeding ₹400 million after the main accused, builder Sandeep Kumar Gupta, reportedly absconded. Investors have alleged that despite the registration of criminal cases, police failed to arrest the accused in time, allowing him to flee. Three First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered so far, while police say efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.
According to the complainants, large sums of money were collected from investors in the ASR Central Avenue and Right Earth Infra residential projects in Raj Nagar Extension after they were promised residential flats and attractive investment returns. They alleged that the projects were not completed within the promised timeline and that investors neither received possession of the properties nor refunds of the money they had paid. Following these allegations, the affected investors approached the police.
The investors further alleged that although the first FIR was registered on June 27, no effective action was taken to arrest the principal accused. They claim that had prompt action been initiated, Sandeep Kumar Gupta would not have been able to abscond. According to the complainants, repeated requests for immediate police intervention went unanswered for several days.
In the same case, Varun Makkad, a director of Right Earth Infra, has already secured anticipatory bail in one of the registered cases. However, two other FIRs related to the alleged fraud remain under investigation. Police stated that further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the ongoing investigation.
Investigators said that the three FIRs registered so far involve allegations of cheating 42 investors out of approximately ₹326.5 million. In addition, several investors who allegedly made property bookings through cash payments have claimed that transactions worth around ₹100 million also require investigation. Police are currently verifying these claims.
The case has already revealed several financial irregularities, and investigators are examining bank accounts, the movement of investors’ funds, and the actual utilisation of the money collected through the housing projects. Authorities said that if evidence points to the involvement of additional individuals or entities, they will also be brought within the scope of the investigation.
The affected investors contend that the delay in enforcement action allowed the accused not only to escape but also to seek legal relief. They argue that the delay has significantly reduced their chances of recovering their investments and have demanded a fair, transparent, and time-bound investigation, along with the immediate arrest of all those responsible.
Police said that the main accused, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, remains absconding and that continuous efforts are being made to locate him. Raids are being conducted at multiple suspected locations, while technical surveillance and other investigative methods are being used to trace his whereabouts. Investigators are also analysing financial documents and other evidence collected during the probe.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police stated that the roles of the accused will be determined after a detailed examination of the available evidence, statements of the complainants, and financial records, following which appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
