A major scam under the guise of the Prime Minister Housing Scheme has unfolded in Lucknow. Fraudsters exploited government land in Dali Bagh, once held by mafia leader Mukhtar Ansari, to extort hefty sums from unsuspecting buyers. Mohammed Talib, posing as an employee of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), swindled approximately 26.40 lakh rupees from 18 individuals, distributing fake allotment letters and registration slips.
The entire scheme was aimed at promising housing under the Prime Minister's initiative. Initially, he charged 55,000 rupees per person for a registration certificate, following up with a demand of 1.10 lakh rupees for the next installment. Fifteen victims transferred 9.90 lakh rupees via UPI to Talib's stated bank account, only to receive counterfeit certificates in return. An additional 16.50 lakh rupees was collected, yet no home or possession was delivered.
When the victims realized they received neither the homes nor their possession, they approached the LDA office. Investigations revealed that no employee named Mohammed Talib existed within the LDA, and all provided documents were fraudulent. Following an inquiry ordered by the LDA Vice President, investigations brought the truth to light, and a case was registered at Gomtinagar police station.
The registration for the 72 EWS buildings being developed by LDA in Dali Bagh had not even commenced. Regardless, scammers deceptively created fake allotment letters and registration warrants for a building ostensibly assigned to Rahul Dhanuk, residing in the slums near VIP Guest House at Hazratganj. An FIR has been filed regarding this scam as well.
LDA Vice President Prathamesh Kumar urges the public not to trust any outsiders. The authority allocates housing through a lottery system in its housing scheme. Any shortcut or alternative process is entirely fraudulent.
