The Patna High Court has issued a directive instructing the state's Economic Offence Unit (EOU) to expedite investigations into 61 criminal cases against the Agrani Group. Flat buyers allege the real estate giant unlawfully misappropriated Rs 100 crore intended for flat bookings. The court's order, part of the resolution of a criminal writ application by victims, mandates a swift investigation and allows victims to file pleas before EOU courts overseeing the 61 FIRs. The allegations centre on fund misappropriation for flat bookings, with victims collectively claiming Rs 100 crore in losses, emphasizing the urgency of investigations and the need for a timely resolution.
The Patna High Court has instructed the state's Economic Offence Unit (EOU) to expedite its probe into 61 criminal cases against the Agrani group of companies. These cases, initiated by allegedly deceived flat buyers, accuse the real estate firm of embezzling ?100 crore under the guise of flat bookings. Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, in response to a writ application from victims, also granted them the right to petition EOU courts for monitoring investigations. The court order was issued on November 23, allowing victims to seek justice in the ongoing scandal. In a significant legal development, the Patna High Court has issued a compelling directive to the state's Economic Offence Unit (EOU) to expeditiously conclude its investigations into a total of 61 criminal cases lodged against the Agrani Group of companies. These cases, brought forth by flat buyers who claim to have been deceived by the company, allege that the real estate giant has unlawfully misappropriated a substantial Rs 100 crore, originally intended for the booking of flats. The court's directive was part of the resolution of a criminal writ application filed by Shalini Thakur and 29 other victims. The order, handed down on November 23 by a single bench led by Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, not only mandates a swift investigation but also grants the victims the freedom to file pleas before the EOU courts overseeing the 61 FIRs. These FIRs were lodged across various police stations in the Patna and Gaya districts, reflecting the widespread nature of the allegations against Agrani Group. The petitioners had initially approached the court seeking intervention to compel the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe the cases against Agrani Homes under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This plea underscored the gravity of the financial implications and the need for a comprehensive inquiry into potential money laundering activities. The allegations against Agrani Group centre around the misappropriation of funds earmarked for flat bookings, with the victims collectively claiming losses amounting to Rs 100 crore. The court's order not only emphasizes the urgency of the investigations but also underscores the importance of a timely resolution for the aggrieved flat buyers. In the wake of the court's decision, the spotlight now rests on the EOU and its capacity to conduct a thorough and efficient investigation. The directive implicitly acknowledges the severity of the accusations against the real estate firm and seeks to ensure that justice is served within a reasonable timeframe.
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