Lucknow: In a major breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested notorious real estate scamster Pramod Kumar Upadhyay, the mastermind behind a large-scale land fraud racket that duped hundreds of people under the guise of lucrative property deals. Upadhyay had been absconding for a long time and was wanted in over a dozen criminal cases.
Arrest from Mohanlalganj, Lucknow
The accused was arrested around 5 PM on June 15 (Sunday) from Jyotinagar Mod, near Kanha Upvan, under Mohanlalganj police station in Lucknow. He is a resident of 11B/25 Awas Vikas, Vrindavan Yojana-3, Sector 11B, PGI Police Station area, Lucknow, and originally hails from Kharouni village, Bansdih, Ballia district.
The Fraud Unfolded
Pramod Upadhyay, operating under the name of a real estate firm “Infravision Pvt. Ltd.,” allegedly lured hundreds of unsuspecting buyers by offering fake plots with attractive schemes. Victims were shown forged documents and non-existent properties. While registries were carried out, the accused never handed over possession. In many cases, the land either did not exist or was not owned by the company.
During interrogation, Upadhyay confessed that the company was managed by his elder brother Vinod Upadhyay and father Haridwar Upadhyay. Pramod served as the official representative. He admitted to laundering the defrauded money into commercial properties and complexes in areas like Khalilabad, Pratapgarh, and Raxaul.
Modus Operandi
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Investors were enticed with false promises of affordable and secure plots.
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They were led to believe the deals were with a reputed real estate firm.
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Registrations were carried out, but possession was never granted.
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Upon inquiry, victims were given false assurances of refunds.
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He primarily targeted clients—such as servicemen and professionals—who were unable to conduct thorough site inspections.
The Arrest Operation
STF received a tip-off that Upadhyay would visit his old office at Kanha Upvan to remove sensitive documents. Acting swiftly, a team led by Inspector Aditya Kumar Singh surrounded the area and apprehended him.
Serious Charges Across Multiple Police Stations
Upadhyay faces several serious charges under various IPC sections and special acts in police stations across Lucknow:
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Sarojininagar: IPC 420, 406, 323, 427, 452
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Ashiyana: IPC 420, 504, 506
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PGI: IPC 147, 307, 325, SC/ST Act 3(2)(T), Arms Act
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Cantonment & Mohanlalganj: IPC 406, 420, 409, 316(2) BNS
Ongoing Investigation
The STF is conducting a detailed inquiry into Pramod’s associates and the assets acquired through the scam. Properties purchased using defrauded funds are also being traced. The accused has been handed over to Mohanlalganj Police for further legal proceedings. Efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals involved in the fraud network.
This arrest marks a significant step towards justice for the victims and a strong message against real estate fraud in the region.
