Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids across Mohali and Chandigarh on Thursday, targeting several builders and individuals suspected of large-scale fraud and money laundering. A high-drama scene unfolded at the “Western Towers” in Chhaju Majra, Kharar, where bags allegedly filled with cash were thrown from a ninth-floor balcony during the search operation.
High Drama at Western Towers
During the raid on Flat No. 906, unidentified persons allegedly threw two bags containing bundles of cash from the building. Witnesses reported seeing currency notes flying through the air as one bag was reportedly caught or retrieved by a driver waiting near a vehicle below. The flat is linked to an individual identified as Nitin, who is currently under the federal agency’s scanner.
Scope of the Investigation
According to ED officials, the raids targeted 12 locations associated with various real estate entities and associates, including:
-
Suntec City Project and Ajay Sehgal
-
ABS Township Pvt Ltd
-
Altus Builders
-
Dheer Construction
The investigation pertains to alleged massive fraud involving Change of Land Use (CLU) licenses from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). The agency suspects these groups defrauded the public of hundreds of crores while evading official GMADA fees.
Alleged Political Links
The investigation has taken a sharp political turn with allegations linking the suspects to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
-
Nitin Gohal: Under investigation for allegedly helping builders evade GMADA fees and arranging political protection.
-
Rajbir Dhunman: Officials suggest Gohal is a close associate of Rajbir Dhunman, an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Suspicions exist that Gohal acted as a “liaison” for the CMO.
Political Backlash
Opposition parties in Punjab have seized the opportunity to target the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):
-
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD): Senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that “extreme corruption” is occurring behind the mask of “extreme honesty.” He claimed that associates like Nitin and Veer Davinder are under the radar for suspected hawala transactions and that more revelations are imminent.
-
Congress: Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition, questioned whether the truth would prevail or if the “political washing machine” would clear all stains, adding that only time will tell.
As the search operations conclude, the ED is expected to scrutinize seized documents and recovered currency to establish the full extent of the alleged money laundering network.
