ED raids continue in CLU fraud probe in Mohali, Chandigarh (Day 2)
The Enforcement Directorate expanded searches on Day 2 of its money laundering probe into two Punjab real estate groups, targeting Suntec City and Altus Space Builders with 12 additional locations raided in Mohali, New Chandigarh and Chandigarh. Earlier, Day 1 raids covered 10 locations and ₹1 crore was seized; investigations involve alleged forged CLU approvals and intermediary roles. A related transfer of a Kharar official occurred amid the probe.
Why It Matters
The case centers on alleged forgery of consent letters to obtain CLU approvals and suspected money laundering, with potential implications for governance and real estate regulation in Punjab.
Timeline
3 Events
Kharar official transfer amid ED probe
Amid the ongoing probe, the Punjab government transferred Kharar municipal council executive officer Sukhdev Singh to Mallanwala Khas in Ferozepur district. This development is noted in connection with the ED investigation into CLU approvals and related activities.
Day 2 raids expand to 12 additional locations; targets include Gohal and Dhindsa; fresh searches in New Chandigarh and Phase 10
ED enlarged the operation to 12 more locations across Mohali, New Chandigarh and Chandigarh, including premises of builders and alleged liaisoners Nitin Gohal and Pritpal Singh Dhindsa. Fresh searches were conducted at Dhindsa’s Phase 4 residence, his Mohali Industrial Area Phase 1 office, and at the Altus Space headquarters in Phase 10. ED teams continued searches in New Chandigarh, with a CRPF cordon in place around the residence of Gohal at Western Towers in Kharar.
Day 1 raids on Suntec City project and related entities in Mohali/Chandigarh; ₹1 crore seized
ED conducted searches at 10 locations linked to the Suntec City project, its promoter Ajay Sehgal, ABS Townships, Altus Space Builders, and Dhir Constructions in Mohali and Chandigarh. The agency reported confiscating ₹1 crore from these locations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).