ED Conducts Searches at 16 Locations Linked to Kalpataru Group in Lucknow

20 Dec 2024 CW Team

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Lucknow zonal office, conducted searches on Thursday at 16 locations linked to the Kalpataru Group of Companies in Agra, Mathura, and Noida concerning a Rs 6.81 billion ponzi scheme.

During the searches, ED officials seized over Rs 10 million in unexplained cash, sale deeds and documents for 88 immovable properties, as well as digital and electronic evidence related to hundreds of properties connected to the case.

The investigation revealed that the company had launched a scheme through which approximately 1,000 individuals were defrauded with promises of high returns on investments or land/plots in exchange for their investments.

The searches targeted properties associated with Mithilesh Singh, the wife of the primary accused, the late Jai Kishan Rana, and his close associates, including chartered accountants, brokers, and agents such as Suman Prabha Sharma, Devender Garg, Harendra Tarkar, Ramveer Tarkar, Prakhar Garg, and Shivam Agrawal, among others.

The ED began its investigation following FIRs filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police against directors, promoters, agents, and managers, including Jai Kishan Singh Rana, Bheekam Singh, Bipin Kumar Yadav, and others.

The probe revealed that the company had deceived unsuspecting investors and amassed large sums of money. Numerous immovable properties acquired by the company and the accused in various locations across Uttar Pradesh were identified. A Provisional Attachment Order was issued for the Proceeds of Crime (POC) worth Rs 840 million, which was later confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority in 2023.

To date, 74 FIRs have been registered in connection with this case.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Blue Dart Unveils 10-Minute Digital Account Opening

Blue Dart Express has introduced its new Digital Account Opening (DAO) platform, enabling businesses across India to open shipping accounts and begin operations within just 10 minutes. The platform features a five-step digital onboarding process, allowing companies to register, complete KYC verification, sign agreements, and recharge prepaid cards quickly and securely. Through the DAO Journey, users can create a profile, select a suitable plan, complete Aadhaar-enabled digital signing, and immediately start shipping with a Digital Prepaid Card. All account activities are tracked in real time..

Jharkhand Forms Teams to Modernise Urban Infrastructure

The Jharkhand Urban Development Department has constituted multiple expert teams to plan, assess, and modernise urban infrastructure across the state’s cities and towns, an official said on Thursday. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s vision to position Jharkhand among India’s leading states in the field of advanced and sustainable urban development. The teams have been tasked with identifying existing infrastructure gaps and proposing new projects to promote stable and long-term growth. According to Sunil Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Ho..

Kerala CM Seeks Rs 22 Billion NDRF Aid, AIIMS Nod from PM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday, seeking urgent financial and policy support for the state. The Chief Minister requested the release of the Rs 22.21 billion National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) grant for Wayanad landslide reconstruction and pressed for immediate approval to establish an AIIMS at Kinaloor, Kozhikode. “Called on the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and requested the urgent release of the full Rs 22.21 billion NDRF grant for Wayanad landslide reconstruction. Also urged immediate approval for establishing..