CHANDIGARH: On Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, targeting the premises associated with a purported aide of an OSD-rank official in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). This operation was part of an investigation into money laundering linked to two real estate groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and scamming investors.
Approximately a dozen locations were searched in Mohali (SAS Nagar) and Chandigarh connected to the Suntec City project (developed by Indian Cooperative Housing Building Society – ICHBS) and its promoter, Ajay Sehgal, along with ABS Townships, Altus Space Builders, Dhir Constructions, and their associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
By late evening, the ED teams seized around ₹1 crore in cash, including ₹21 lakh thrown from a window of the Western Towers, a high-rise residential building in Mohali’s Kharar area.
Officials reported that the cash, scattered on the ground, was comprised of ₹500 denominations.
This incident occurred as search teams began raids at the residences of two alleged middlemen, Nitin Gohal and Pritpal Singh Dhinda, according to ED officials.
Officials claimed Gohal, an IT professional, was associated with Rajbir Ghuman, an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that Gohal “facilitated” builders who failed to pay dues to the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and provided “political protection” for them.
The agency reported that “incriminating” documents were retrieved from the two suspects, indicating interference by these individuals in government operations in Punjab.
During a media briefing in Amritsar, Mann stated, “The ED raid has nothing to do with us. They are here concerning some company and have the authority to conduct checks anywhere.”
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia commented on X regarding the cash bags: “Crores of money, ₹500 notes flying in the air. To whom does the money belong? OSD CM Mann Rajbir Ghuman. ‘Kattar Fraudsters’ caught in an ED trap. ED raids on CM Mann’s close aides and relatives, Nitin and Veer Davinder.”
Majithia added, “ED raids Mohali high-rise linked to CM Mann’s aide; ₹500 notes scattered after bags were thrown from the 9th floor. Millions in cash thrown from the 9th floor during ED raids on the relatives of Mann’s aides. Hawala transactions uncovered. A major expose is forthcoming.”
The case against Suntec City and its promoters originated from a November 2022 FIR filed by Punjab Police in Mullanpur, Mohali.
Allegations state that Sehgal and Suresh Kumar Bajaj created fake consent letters for 30.5 acres of land owned by 15 landowners. Using these forged documents, they allegedly obtained Change of Land Use (CLU) approvals from GMADA to develop Suntec City.
The ED claims these consent letters bore “forged” signatures and thumbprints of the landowners.
Sehgal and ICHBS purportedly collected over ₹150 crore by enrolling members into the society without executing any sale deeds. GMADA later “cancelled” the ICHBS license after victims of its projects filed a petition with the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In addition to plots, Sehgal developed ‘La Canela’ residential complex and ‘District 7’ commercial complex based on the alleged “fake” CLU. All units in these developments have been sold, with officials asserting that these funds represent proceeds of crime under the PMLA.
Investigations are also underway regarding alleged irregularities in RERA approval for the ‘District 7’ commercial complex.
The case regarding Altus Space Builders and its promoter Mohinder Singh stems from another FIR registered at the Phase 11 police station in Mohali.
Multiple home buyers have claimed they were deceived by false representations that the Altus real estate project had obtained a “final” CLU from GMADA, when in fact, it was conditional and ultimately revoked.
A court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Mohinder Singh, declaring him a proclaimed offender.
The agency alleges that businessman Gaurav Dhir of Dhir Constructions acquired the Altus project through Suncity Projects for ₹130 crore by “undervaluing” the project.
Officials stated that Dhir is a “close associate” of senior cabinet minister Aman Arora.
Aman Arora, who is also the Punjab AAP unit president, criticized the BJP for its “politics of goondagardi” (hooliganism), asserting that AAP leaders are not intimidated by central agencies or threats aimed at silencing opposition voices.
In a post on X, Arora expressed, “I have recently learned through media that my name has been associated with today’s ED raids. I have always conducted my life with integrity and will not be intimidated or silenced by the BJP’s false propaganda and vendetta politics.”
He further stated that the repeated use of agencies like the ED and CBI against opposition leaders has become an alarming pattern across the nation.
Arora referenced recent raids on properties linked to Rajya Sabha member Ashok Mittal, implying an attempt to coerce him into joining the BJP.
Mittal, a former AAP member, defected to the BJP along with six other MPs shortly after the ED raids.
“These incidents expose the BJP’s strategy of misusing investigative agencies for political gain,” claimed Aman Arora.
In recent weeks, the ED has undertaken significant actions against politically connected individuals in Punjab, as the region approaches elections in early 2027.
The agency has also raided the residences of Punjab Industries Minister and AAP leader Sanjeev Arora, his son, and others, in separate cases.
