The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Mohali and other parts of Punjab on Thursday, leading to the recovery of approximately Rs 21 lakh in cash that was allegedly thrown from a balcony during the search. The operation targeted two alleged middlemen, Nitin Gohal and Pritpal Singh Dhindsa, linked to real estate groups accused of fraudulent Change of Land Use (CLU) practices, with around Rs 1 crore seized overall. The ED alleges that Suresh Kumar Bajaj and Ajay Sehgal of Indian Cooperative Housing Building Society forged consent letters from 15 landowners covering 30.5 acres to secure CLU approval for a project named Suntec City. Using forged signatures and thumbprints, the group collected over Rs 150 crore from members without executing sale deeds. The agency also tied Sehgal to La Canela, a multi-storey complex developed through similar fraudulent means, declaring all units proceeds of crime. The investigation follows a Punjab Police FIR on criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery. The ED has issued a non-bailable warrant against Mohinder Singh of Altus Space Builders, declared him a proclaimed offender, and found complaints from buyers alleging fraud. RERA approval for the District 7 commercial complex is under scrutiny, and GMADA has cancelled the society’s licence after court litigation by victims. The ED alleges Gaurav Dhir of Dhir Constructions, through Suncity Projects, acquired a project from Altus Space Builders for Rs 130 crore, undervaluing it by over Rs 170 crore, to facilitate money laundering. Dhir is described as a close associate of AAP Punjab president Aman Arora, whose name surfaced in connection with the raids. Arora denied any wrongdoing, stating his conduct has always been above board, while CM Bhagwant Mann distanced his office from the raided premises, calling the matter an old private company issue. The ED continues its investigation into the financial and political links involved. The court is expected to hear arguments on asset confiscation and further charges in the coming weeks.