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• Haryana Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested a man in connection with an alleged housing scam that reportedly affected 242 homebuyers in Gurugram.
• The accused and his associates allegedly collected money from buyers by promising flats in a proposed housing society in Sector 55 but failed to provide possession.
• One complainant's family reportedly paid around INR 37.5 lakh over several years after being assured of a flat in the project.
• Investigators said construction work stopped years ago, while buyers neither received homes nor refunds.
• The probe is continuing to trace funds, examine the role of other accused individuals and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
A man has been arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Haryana Police in connection with an alleged housing society scam in Gurugram, where 242 homebuyers were reportedly cheated after being promised flats in a residential project in Sector 55.
The accused, identified as Anubhav Bhardwaj, was taken into custody following an investigation into allegations that he and several associates collected money from homebuyers for flats in the proposed Sunehra Apna Ghar Society. Investigators alleged that despite collecting substantial amounts from buyers, the promised homes were never delivered and refunds were not issued.
The case came to light after a complaint was filed by a woman who alleged that her family was persuaded to invest in the housing project nearly two decades ago. According to the investigation, the family was approached with an offer to purchase a flat in Sector 55 on Golf Course Road at a discounted rate. They were allegedly told that the project would be developed near an existing residential complex in the area.
Police said the family initially paid around INR 4 lakh as an advance and later made additional payments over several years. The total amount paid by the family reportedly reached approximately INR 37.5 lakh. During this period, they were provided with documents including an allotment letter, share certificate, flat layout plans and records relating to society membership, which allegedly strengthened confidence in the project.
Investigators said the family had agreed to purchase a three-bedroom apartment measuring around 1,440 sq ft for nearly INR 40 lakh. Construction activity at the site reportedly continued until 2013 before eventually stopping. Despite repeated assurances and follow-ups, possession of the flat was never handed over.
According to EOW officials, the investigation later revealed that funds had allegedly been collected from 242 applicants under the housing scheme. Authorities alleged that buyers were induced to invest in the project on the promise of receiving residential units, but neither flats nor refunds were provided.
Police further alleged that Ishpal Bhardwaj, along with Anubhav Bhardwaj and four other associates, played a role in collecting money from applicants linked to the housing society. The matter remained under investigation for several years before significant progress was made by the EOW.
Authorities also disclosed that a lookout circular had been issued against Anubhav Bhardwaj. He was subsequently apprehended at Delhi Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the country. Following the arrest, investigators have intensified efforts to examine financial transactions linked to the case and identify the flow of funds collected from homebuyers.
The case adds to a series of homebuyer fraud and stalled housing project investigations that have surfaced in Gurugram and the National Capital Region over the past several years. Regulatory authorities and enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on cases involving delayed possession, alleged diversion of funds and non-delivery of promised residential units, as homebuyers continue to seek relief in long-pending disputes.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and further action may follow based on evidence gathered during the probe. Authorities are also examining the role of other accused persons and whether additional victims may be linked to the alleged scam.
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