CBI investigates ₹9,000 Crore Noida Sports City scam, registers cases and conducts searches

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered three cases to probe alleged irregularities in the Noida Sports City project, estimated to have caused a financial loss of ₹9,000 crore. The investigation, initiated on the orders of the Allahabad High Court, focuses on violations by allottees, sub-lessees, and officials of the Noida Authority. The agency has conducted searches at various locations in Delhi and Noida, recovering documents and digital evidence.

Project Overview and Allegations

The Noida Sports City project was planned to develop integrated sports infrastructure alongside residential and commercial zones in Sectors 78, 79, and 150. The initiative aimed to create modern sports facilities while supporting urban development. However, between 2011 and 2014, multiple breaches of contractual agreements were allegedly committed by developers and officials responsible for project oversight.

According to the CBI’s initial findings, allottees and sub-lessees violated the terms of land use, development timelines, and investment commitments. The developers, instead of prioritizing the construction of sports facilities, reportedly focused on residential and commercial projects. Noida Authority officials allegedly failed to enforce contractual conditions, which allowed unauthorized transactions and misuse of allocated land. These lapses are believed to have benefited private developers while causing significant financial losses to the government.

Role of the CAG and High Court Intervention

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had earlier flagged irregularities in the project, highlighting discrepancies in land allocation, project approvals, and compliance monitoring. Despite these findings, authorities reportedly did not take corrective measures. The lack of enforcement raised concerns over financial mismanagement, prompting legal scrutiny. The Allahabad High Court, acting on these concerns, directed the CBI to investigate the matter further.

The registered cases name multiple companies and their directors, alongside unidentified public officials. The investigation is expected to establish accountability by tracing financial transactions, identifying beneficiaries of the alleged irregularities, and examining decision-making processes within the Noida Authority. The findings will help determine the extent of legal violations and the role of officials in facilitating these breaches.

During the searches, CBI officials seized documents, electronic records, and communication logs related to project approvals and land transfers. The agency is now analyzing these materials to establish a link between private developers and government officials. The investigation is focused on identifying violations in land allotment and sub-leasing processes, reviewing whether developers adhered to their commitments regarding sports infrastructure, and examining the role of Noida Authority officials in facilitating irregularities. Financial records are also being scrutinized to detect any unauthorized gains.

With one of Noida’s largest land-related corruption cases under investigation, authorities will determine the full extent of financial misconduct. Further action is expected to include questioning key stakeholders, reviewing compliance with land-use agreements, and assessing legal violations. The findings of this case are likely to influence future policy measures aimed at improving regulatory oversight in urban development projects, particularly those involving large-scale land allocations.