ED raids in Punjab in land 'fraud' case

CHANDIGARH: (May 7) The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh as part of a money laundering investigation against certain builders and real estate companies in an alleged land fraud case, officials said.

They said about a dozen locations in Mohali and Chandigarh linked to Suntec City project, Ajay Sehgal, ABS Townships, Altus Builders, Dhir Constructions and associates are being searched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A person named Nitin Gohal is also being searched by the agency and he is alleged to have "helped" builders who "defaulted" in payment of Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) fees and arranging political protection for them, ED officials said.