Mohali (Gurpreet Singh): The Enforcement Directorate’s action against multiple real estate-linked properties in Punjab continued for a second consecutive day on Friday, with central agency officials still stationed at a residential complex in Kharar as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation.
The focus of the operation remains a flat located in the Western Towers housing society in Chajju Majra, where officials conducted raids on Thursday in connection with alleged irregularities involving land-use permissions, property dealings and suspected financial fraud linked to builders and developers.
Security remained heavy around the society on Friday morning, with CRPF personnel maintaining a strict cordon while ED teams continued examining documents and electronic records. Residents reported that agency officials have been working in shifts and taking brief breaks while the search operation remains underway.
During Thursday’s operation, dramatic scenes unfolded when bags allegedly containing large amounts of cash were reportedly thrown from the upper floors of the building during the raid. The incident drew significant attention from local residents and prompted tighter monitoring by security personnel in the area.
Sources linked the flat to Nitin Gohal, who is said to have connections with influential circles in the state administration. Officials, however, have not issued any formal statement regarding arrests or recoveries made during the searches.
The ED also continued raids at the offices and premises associated with Dhir Constructions and several other real estate entities across Mohali and Chandigarh. Investigators are reportedly examining allegations related to fraudulent land transactions, manipulation in land-use approvals, and cheating of investors and property buyers.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, nearly a dozen locations were searched as part of the coordinated operation. The probe is believed to be connected to suspected financial irregularities in housing projects and alleged violations involving the conversion and development of land parcels.
Meanwhile, the presence of central agency teams and paramilitary forces inside the residential society has created an atmosphere of tension among residents. On Thursday, an ED official was seen escorting the children of the family residing in the flat to school amid the ongoing search activity.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the total amount of cash or documents recovered during the raids. The investigation is expected to continue as forensic and financial experts examine seized materials and trace possible money trails linked to the case.
