ED Tells Homebuyers to Report Builders Who Hide RERA Details or Ask for Cash

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has a new warning for homebuyers. If a builder refuses to show you the RERA registration number, say something. If a builder asks for cash, say something. 

The ED gave this advice on 17 August 2026. It came right after the ED attached properties worth ₹129.80 crore. The case involves an Ahmedabad-based real estate group. 

The land in question sits in Chharodi, Shela, and the Jesangpura–Agol belt near Kadi. Below, you'll find what the ED said, the case behind it, and how to check any project before you pay. 

Quick Summary 

• ED wants homebuyers to report builders who hide RERA details, demand cash, delay paperwork, or skip refunds. 

• The warning follows a ₹129.80 crore asset attachment tied to the Keshav Narayan Group in Ahmedabad. 

• The land involved sits in Chharodi, Shela, and Jesangpura-Agol near Kadi. 

• The accused allegedly promised returns of 54% to 100% on unregistered pre-launch bookings. 

• Buyers should check the RERA number, title, and land records before paying anything. 

• You can file a complaint with GujRERA, the local police, or the ED. 

What Did the ED Say? 

On Monday, the ED asked homebuyers to report a builder in these situations: 

• The builder won't share RERA registration details. 

• The builder insists on cash instead of a bank transfer. 

• The builder delays registered documents, like the sale deed. 

• The builder fails to refund money after a cancelled deal. 

• The builder tries to transfer project land to someone else without telling buyers. 

The ED also gave a caution. Don't rely only on oral promises. Don't rely only on booking forms. Don't rely only on notarised papers from brokers. Instead, check the RERA registration yourself. Check the statutory approvals. Check the title documents, land records, and encumbrance details. Also check if the property is mortgaged or under dispute. Do all this before you pay. 

The Ahmedabad Case Behind This Advisory 

The ED passed a provisional attachment order on 14 August 2026. It used Section 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED's Ahmedabad Zonal Office handled the order. The case names the Keshav Narayan Group. It also names Ronak Ravjibhai Sonani and Vipulbhai Gordhanbhai Gangani, among others. 

Here is what the ED has alleged: 

• The group is accused of cheating homebuyers, small investors, traders, and middle-class families. They allegedly sold their schemes as genuine, RERA-compliant projects. 

• Flats and shops were reportedly offered at pre-launch prices. Buyers were promised returns of 54% to 100%. 

• The projects were allegedly sold without RERA registration. 

• Investigators say properties were transferred through dummy sale deeds. No real payment was made. Fake payment details were shown in registered documents to make deals look legal. 

• The case is based on five FIRs. Ahmedabad's DCB, Satellite, Navrangpura, and Bopal police stations filed them. Chargesheets have already been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 

The ED has attached three land parcels. One is at Chharodi, measuring about 6,603 sq. mtrs. One is at Shela, measuring about 7,284 sq. mtrs. One spans Jesangpura and Agol in Taluka Kadi, measuring about 30,798 sq. mtrs. Together, they are worth ₹129.80 crore. This attachment stops any sale, transfer, or hiding of these properties while the case is investigated. 

Why This Matters for Property Buyers 

Pre-launch pricing and high return promises are common. Genuine projects use them. Fraudulent ones use them too. The only real way to tell them apart is the RERA registration number. A registered developer will show this number on every ad. They will hand it over the moment you ask. If a builder dodges the question, stop. Verify the project on your own before you pay a single rupee. 

What the ED Wants You to Watch For 

Treat any of these as a reason to pause and verify: 

• No RERA number on record, or the builder won't share it. 

• A request for cash, in part or in full, instead of a cheque, RTGS, or NEFT payment. 

• Guaranteed high returns or buyback offers. Real estate is not a fixed deposit. 

• Unusually steep pre-launch discounts with pressure to "book today". 

• Delay in registering the agreement for sale. 

• Vague answers on title and land records. 

• Refusal to show the encumbrance certificate. 

• Verbal assurances instead of written terms. 

How to Verify RERA Registration Before You Pay 

Follow these steps for any project in Gujarat: 

1. Visit the official GujRERA portal at gujrera.gujarat.gov.in. This is the only authentic source for project registrations in the state. 

2. Go to the "Registered Projects" or "Project Search" section. 

3. Search by project name, promoter name, or RERA registration number. You'll find this number on the builder's brochure or advertisement. 

4. Check the project timeline, approved layout, land title status, and financial disclosures on the portal. Compare this with what the builder told you. 

5. If the project isn't listed, or the registration number doesn't match, stop. Do not make any payment. 

6. For projects outside Gujarat, use the Unified RERA Portal at rera.mohua.gov.in. It pulls data from every state's RERA authority. 

Also check the title deed. Check the latest 7/12 Utara extract or property card. Check the encumbrance certificate. Check the BU (Building Use) permission for the project. 

Read more: BU Permission in Ahmedabad 

What to Do If a Builder Refuses to Share RERA Details 

If you spot any of the warning signs above, here's the path the ED recommends: 

1. Don't make any payment. This includes a token amount or booking amount. Wait until the RERA number is verified. 

2. File a complaint with GujRERA through the official portal. Use the citizen login and the relevant form. 

3. Report to your local police station if you suspect cheating or fraud. This applies especially to cash demands or forged documents. 

4. If you suspect large-scale fraud or money laundering, you can escalate the matter to the Enforcement Directorate. The ED acts under the PMLA in cases involving proceeds of crime. 

5. Keep every record. Save WhatsApp chats, payment receipts, brochures, and booking forms. The ED has still cautioned against relying on these alone as legal proof. 

If you're unsure who to trust — a broker, a consultant, or a builder sales team — this guide explains the difference. 

Read more: Real estate consultant vs property advisor vs broker 

Where to Verify Before You Buy 

Every project listed on Savitar Realty carries verified project and registration details. You don't have to take a builder's word alone. Browse ready-to-move flats in Ahmedabad or residential projects in Ahmedabad.  

Sources: Enforcement Directorate statement dated 17 August 2026, as reported by ANI; project verification details from the official Gujarat RERA (GujRERA) portal. 

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always verify project and builder details independently through the official GujRERA portal before making any payment.