Full Breakdown
Enforcement Directorate Raids Former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda Over INR248.46 Crore Real-Estate Money-Laundering Probe
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Core Event: ED Searches Three Gurugram Premises
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the residence, farmhouse and office of former Haryana Minister of State Gopal Kanda in Gurugram. The operation was carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)) as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to a large-scale real-estate fraud involving Vatika Limited.
Background & Context: Vatika Limited Fraud and Earlier ED Action
Vatika Limited is alleged to have induced investors to fund four commercial real-estate projects by promising timely possession, assured returns, lease rentals and execution of sale deeds. According to ED officials, the projects collected approximately INR248.46 crore from 661 investors, yet none of the promised possessions or sale deeds were delivered.
Earlier, on August 25, the ED’s Gurugram zonal office raided seven premises of Vatika Limited across the Delhi-NCR region, seizing three luxury vehicles, jewellery and assets worth nearly INR33 crore. The agency also recorded an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the PMLA against Vatika Limited and its promoter-directors Anil Bhalla, Gautam Bhalla and Gaurav Bhalla.
Data & Statistics
- Total amount collected from investors: INR248.46 crore
- Number of affected investors: 661
- Assets seized in August 25 raids: ~INR33 crore and three luxury vehicles
- Funds received vs. plots delivered (2010-2012): Out of INR260.30 crore received, plots worth ?INR120 crore were delivered; the remainder remained undelivered after 14 years.
Official Statements & Responses
- and that diverted monies were transferred to various companies linked to Gopal Kanda**.
- The Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP), of which Kanda is a leader, has not issued a formal response in the available reports.
What's Next
The ED announced a restructuring plan to expand its field presence, creating 50 PMLA zones and five dedicated Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) zones effective January 1, 2027. The agency aims to reduce investigation lifecycles to around 1.5 years. While this restructuring is not directly tied to the Kanda case, it may affect the speed of ongoing investigations.