Full Breakdown
Enforcement Directorate Expands GMADA Probe, Including Search of AAP Leader’s Residence
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Context
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a money-laundering investigation that began with Delhi-based Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd and later broadened to include other firms such as Remigate Buildestates (India) Pvt Ltd, which allegedly received Rs 57 crore in waived statutory dues. The probe targets alleged irregularities in land-acquisition, change-of-land-use and compensation payments linked to the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).
Official Statements & Responses
- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a statement saying that the lock-breaking at government bungalow 926 in Sector 39, Chandigarh—where party co-incharge for Punjab affairs Satyendar Jain was staying—was carried out while Jain was absent after a morning meeting on sand-mining. The party alleged that the central agency was being used to create a climate of fear ahead of upcoming elections.
- The Punjab government approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court for urgent judicial intervention. The court appointed a Warrant Officer to monitor the search and seizure proceedings and to submit a status report by the afternoon of the same day.
- An ED officer told The Tribune that the investigation now also examines the role of government officers and their political superiors in granting land-use changes and extending favours to private promoters.
Data and Statistics
- More than 100 ED personnel and a central security force were deployed at the GMADA office in Phase 8.
- Searches were conducted at multiple locations, including Jain’s high-security residence, the Sahnewal home of Gurpreet Singh Saini (nephew of Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian), and the office of IAS officer Rajiv Gupta.
- ED officials also sought details on the appointment of Amarinder Jha, a close associate of Jain, whose office in the GMADA building was searched.
Verbatim Quote
- “Another IAS officer, who was posted as the Chief Administrator in GMADA recently, will also be questioned soon,” — an ED officer
What’s Next
The ED has indicated that additional senior officials, including the former Chief Administrator of GMADA, will be questioned in the coming days. The Punjab High Court’s Warrant Officer will continue to oversee the operation and report on its progress.