The Lucknow zonal office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its legal action against a prominent real estate company by filing a significant supplementary prosecution complaint. This legal document was submitted before the court of the special judge for anti-corruption, CBI, in Ghaziabad, targeting Unnati Fortune Holdings Ltd (UFHL) along with its promoters and directors.
Legal Framework and Allegations
The complaint has been filed under sections 44 and 45, read with sections 3, 4, and 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This move underscores the ED's intensified efforts to combat financial crimes in the real estate sector, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
Investigation Origins
The ED's investigation was initiated based on multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police. These FIRs were filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, against UFHL, its main promoter Anil Mithas, Madhu Mithas, and other company officials. The police actions laid the groundwork for the ED's deeper probe into alleged financial irregularities.
Key Findings and Actions
According to the ED, their investigation has uncovered that Anil Mithas allegedly diverted approximately Rs 126 crore during the period between 2011 and 2019. This substantial amount is at the heart of the money laundering allegations.
In a significant development, Anil Mithas was arrested by the ED on April 16, 2025, and is currently lodged in judicial custody. Following this arrest, the ED conducted searches at multiple premises linked to UFHL on April 17, 2025, as part of their ongoing investigation.
The enforcement agency has also taken decisive action by provisionally attaching movable and immovable assets worth approximately Rs 126 crore. These assets belong to UFHL, its promoters, and associate entities, and the attachment has been carried out under the provisions of the PMLA.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
This supplementary complaint follows an earlier legal action by the ED. The first prosecution complaint was filed on June 13, 2025, before the same special judge for anti-corruption, CBI, in Ghaziabad. The court took cognizance of this initial complaint on August 18, 2025.
Purpose of Supplementary Complaint
The newly filed supplementary complaint aims to place additional evidence and further details of the alleged proceeds of crime and money laundering activities before the court. This step is crucial for strengthening the ED's case and ensuring a comprehensive legal proceeding against the accused parties.
The ED's actions highlight the ongoing scrutiny of financial practices in India's real estate industry, particularly in regions like Lucknow where such investigations can have significant economic and legal implications.
