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The Central Bureau of Investigation has widened its inquiry into Noida's Sports City project, focusing on Wiztown Planners Pvt Ltd following the tragic death of a techie in a waterlogged excavation in Sector 150. The investigation examines alleged irregularities including regulatory lapses, unauthorised land transfers, and delayed sports infrastructure. Wiztown's involvement stems from a complex land subdivision under the Sports City project. Earlier audits had flagged massive financial losses and governance lapses. The probe now assesses whether such structural changes were used to exploit land value while evading project responsibilities.
The death of 25-year-old techie Yuvraj Mehta in a waterlogged excavation at Sector 150 of Noida's Sports City has brought renewed scrutiny on Wiztown Planners Pvt Ltd. Mehta's vehicle plunged into the swamp-like site, raising questions about safety, regulatory compliance, and construction practices at the unfinished project. The incident prompted the CBI to expand its ongoing investigation into the Sports City 02 project, formally bringing Wiztown into focus. Advertisement
The CBI took custody of Wiztown's complete project files from the Noida Authority, signalling a significant escalation. The land in question, measuring roughly 27,000 square metres, reportedly has outstanding dues of nearly INR 129 crore. Wiztown's director, Abhay Kumar, has been arrested in connection with Mehta's death as authorities probe negligence, unauthorised land use, and lapses in regulatory compliance.
Wiztown's involvement traces back to the 2016-17 restructuring of the Sports City 02 project. Initially, additional land was allotted to the lead developer, Lotus Green Constructions Pvt Ltd, which requested multiple zero period concessions. Following limited approvals, the land was subdivided among several entities, expanding from seven original consortium members to 24 companies, with Wiztown carved out during this process. Under the approved plan, Wiztown was allotted Plot SC-02/A3 with a permissible built-up area of around 31,326 square metres. The plot was intended for sports and community facilities, not residential or commercial construction.
Despite these provisions, development fell behind schedule. Priority sports infrastructure and allied facilities remain largely incomplete. The lead developer claimed lease deeds were not fully executed for subdivided plots, a contention disputed by the Noida Authority. Investigators allege that several subsidiaries, including Wiztown, were incorporated to facilitate unauthorised land transfers and commercially exploit land value, while diluting responsibility for completing sports infrastructure. Collective dues of the consortium, originally over INR 1,200 crore, are now estimated to have exceeded INR 2,700 crore with accrued interest.
The investigation also revisits earlier warnings by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A 2020 audit highlighted systemic lapses and violations in Noida Sports City, estimating financial losses of nearly INR 9,000 crore to the Noida Authority and the Uttar Pradesh government. The report pointed to mispriced land, unauthorised subdivision, and weak oversight, showing deficiencies at every stage from allotment to implementation.
The CBI is examining whether Wiztown and similar entities were used to fragment liabilities, avoid accountability, and bypass project obligations. The tragic incident has reopened scrutiny over long-standing governance gaps and financial mismanagement in large urban projects, reinforcing the need for strict compliance and oversight in developmental schemes.
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