The Central Bureau of Investigation has carried out searches at 12 locations in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune as part of 5 new criminal cases involving alleged links between builders and officials of financial institutions. The cases concern allegations that homebuyers were cheated or defrauded through practices in the housing real estate sector.

The searches were conducted on 10.09.2026. The cases were registered following directions from the Supreme Court against builders in Bengaluru and Mumbai and officials of various financial institutions.

Cases under investigation

4 of the 5 cases relate to the Ozone group and its related entities in connection with projects in Bengaluru and Mumbai. The remaining case concerns M/s Vivansaa Baalsam and its Bengaluru project.

The allegations listed in the cases include:

  • Criminal conspiracy
  • Cheating
  • Criminal breach of trust
  • Criminal misconduct by financial institution officials

The agency has linked the cases to an alleged nexus between builders and financial institution officials. It said the suspected practices led to the cheating and defrauding of innocent homebuyers.

Evidence gathered during searches

The searches are intended to collect evidence for examining the wider alleged conspiracy. The issues under investigation include alleged diversion of funds, financial irregularities and fraudulent practices in the housing real estate sector.

During the operation, investigators seized incriminating documents, digital devices and other materials. These items are being examined as part of the investigation.

The action follows complaints and legal proceedings involving homebuyers. The Central Bureau of Investigation said a large number of homebuyers had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief from alleged fraudulent activities by builders that had affected their lives for many years.

Supreme Court-directed case count reaches 55

Before the latest operation, the agency had registered 50 cases against various builders across India in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions. The 5 new cases bring the total number of such cases registered on the court’s orders to 55.

The latest searches therefore expand an investigation that covers alleged misconduct involving builders, financial institutions and housing projects in multiple cities. The seized material will be examined to investigate the allegations and establish the facts of the cases.

The agency has reiterated its commitment to an expedited and impartial investigation into economic offences. It said those responsible for allegedly defrauding homebuyers by violating laws and guidelines should be brought to justice.

Conclusion

The CBI’s searches mark the latest step in Supreme Court-directed investigations into alleged builder-financial institution links, with evidence from 12 locations now under examination and the total number of related cases reaching 55.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did the CBI conduct the searches?

The searches took place at 12 locations in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune.

Q. How many new cases has the CBI registered?

The CBI has registered 5 new criminal cases in this operation.

Q. Which builders or entities are named in the cases?

4 cases concern the Ozone group and related entities. Another case concerns M/s Vivansaa Baalsam and its Bengaluru project.

Q. What allegations are being investigated?

The allegations include criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal misconduct by financial institution officials.

Q. What did investigators seize?

Investigators seized documents, digital devices and other materials for examination.

Q. How many Supreme Court-directed builder cases has the CBI registered in total?

The latest cases take the total number registered on the Supreme Court’s directions to 55, from 50 earlier cases.

Q. Why were the searches conducted?

The searches were conducted to gather evidence concerning alleged fund diversion, financial irregularities and fraudulent practices in the housing real estate sector.

Q. What happens to the seized material?

The seized material is being examined as part of the investigation.