Lucknow: In a major crackdown on organised crime, the Lucknow Police has attached movable and immovable assets worth over ₹5.78 crore in connection with a real estate fraud syndicate accused of duping unsuspecting buyers through illegal land deals.
The action was carried out in the Mohanlalganj area under the directives of Police Commissioner Amrendra Singh Sengar as part of an intensified drive against organised criminal networks. The seized assets belong to alleged gang leader Pramod Kumar Upadhyay and his associate Vinod Kumar Upadhyay.
According to officials, the accused operated a well-structured syndicate that lured buyers with attractive offers for residential plots, falsely posing as representatives of reputed real estate firms. Victims were reportedly sold land parcels that either did not exist or were under dispute or ownership of others.
Police investigations revealed that the gang specifically targeted personnel from armed forces and paramilitary units, exploiting their inability to physically verify properties due to service obligations.
A total of 66 cases have been registered against the accused across multiple police stations in Lucknow since 2020. These include charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and even attempt to murder.
The attachment was executed under Section 14 of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities Act following court orders issued on April 6.
Among the attached assets are a plot and a semi-constructed house in Omaxe City valued at over ₹5.3 crore, along with three vehicles — a Toyota Innova, a Maruti Swift, and a Mahindra Bolero — collectively worth around ₹45 lakh.
Police teams, in coordination with revenue officials, have affixed attachment notices at the properties and informed local residents that the assets are now under court control. Officials confirmed that further proceedings to identify and attach additional assets linked to the syndicate are underway.
Reaffirming its commitment, the police said strict action against organised crime will continue to protect public interests and ensure a safer environment in the city.
