The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is intensifying its crackdown on real estate fraud in Punjab, with raids entering their second day across multiple locations in Mohali and Chandigarh. The investigation targets two major real estate groups: Suntec City (operated by the Indian Cooperative Housing Building Society) and Altus Space Builders Private Limited. Allegations include fraudulent change of land use (CLU) approvals and cheating of investors, with the ED confiscating ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD) during its searches.

Raids were conducted at 12 additional locations, including properties linked to builders and alleged intermediaries Nitin Gohal and Pritpal Singh Dhindsa. The ED's actions stem from two FIRs filed by Punjab Police in 2022 and 2024, which accuse the firms of forging signatures to obtain CLU approvals. Investigators claim that Gohal and Dhindsa acted as middlemen, facilitating clearances for real estate developers.

The controversy escalated with Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora facing scrutiny for his alleged connections to Gaurav Dhir of Dhir Constructions. Arora has denied any wrongdoing, challenging the ED to investigate his phone records. The ED's investigation also revealed that the accused collected over ₹150 crore (approximately $18 million USD) by enrolling members without executing sale deeds, further complicating the case. As the ED continues its probe, the political implications and public interest in the matter remain significant.