Enforcement Directorate Summons GMADA Chief in Land Use Fraud Investigation
ED intensifies probe into CLU fraud, summons GMADA chief
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Sandeep Kumar, chief administrator of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), as part of its investigation into alleged fraudulent land use changes linked to major real estate projects in Punjab. This follows recent raids and the discovery of irregularities in licenses for projects associated with Suntec City and Altus Space Builders.
- 01Sandeep Kumar was summoned under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for evidence and document production.
- 02The ED's investigation includes scrutiny of financial transactions between GMADA and Altus Space Builders, allegedly funded by Dhir Constructions.
- 03The agency conducted raids at 12 locations, recovering nearly ₹1 crore ($120,000 USD) and ₹21 lakh ($25,000 USD) during the operation.
- 04Two FIRs registered by Punjab Police in 2022 and 2024 form the basis of the ED's case, accusing former officials of forgery in land use approvals.
- 05The second FIR involves allegations against Altus Space Builders for misleading homebuyers regarding CLU approvals.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into alleged fraudulent practices related to land use changes in Punjab, summoning Sandeep Kumar, the chief administrator of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). This action comes after the ED conducted raids at 12 locations in Chandigarh and Mohali, uncovering significant irregularities in the issuance of Change of Land Use (CLU) licenses for projects linked to Suntec City and Altus Space Builders Private Limited. Kumar is the second IAS officer summoned in two days, following a notice issued to Basant Garg, the chairman of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The ED's summons require Kumar to present evidence and records relating to the investigation, particularly concerning financial transactions with Altus Space Builders, which are suspected to be funded by Dhir Constructions. The agency's inquiries are based on two FIRs filed by Punjab Police, alleging forgery and misrepresentation in securing CLU approvals, with claims that more than ₹150 crore ($18 million USD) was collected from members without executing sale deeds. The investigation continues to unfold as the ED seeks to clarify the extent of the alleged fraud.
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The investigation may affect homebuyers and real estate stakeholders in Punjab, particularly those involved with the implicated projects.
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