The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out coordinated searches at approximately 12 locations in Mohali and Chandigarh as part of a money laundering investigation into alleged real estate fraud. The operation targeted entities including Suntec City, Altus Builders, ABS Townships, and Dhir Constructions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The probe focuses on the fraudulent acquisition of Change of Land Use (CLU) licenses from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the subsequent misappropriation of investor funds.

Central investigators are also questioning Nitin Gohal, an individual alleged to have facilitated fee defaults for builders and provided political protection. Officials identified Gohal as an associate of Rajbir Ghuman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The agency is investigating claims that the accused cheated the public of crores of rupees through these land schemes.

During the raids, a significant quantity of cash was recovered from a residential society in Kharar, Mohali. Witnesses and social media footage showed bags containing Rs 500 notes being discarded from a high-rise apartment as ED officials arrived at the premises. While the agency has not yet formally confirmed the total amount seized, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including SAD's Bikram Singh Majithia, who alleged the funds are linked to high-level political associates.

The ED is expected to summon additional directors of the named real estate firms for questioning in the coming days. Forensic audits of the seized digital records and financial documents are currently underway to trace the flow of the alleged proceeds of crime.