The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday raided the office of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) in Mohali and the agency team was accompanied by a large contingent of CRPF personnel during the operation.
According to officials, ED teams seized records linked to the Remigate case as well as other matters involving alleged irregularities in GMADA-related decisions.
The probe includes allegations of wrongful approval of Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions for private builders and the agency is also examining matters related to land acquisitions, CLU approvals, alleged benefits given to private realtors and property auctions.
During the operation, at least three floors of the GMADA office were sealed and the mobile phones of senior officials were also taken into custody by the investigating team.
Several senior GMADA officials were questioned during the raid and these included the Estate Officer, Additional Chief Administrator and Chief Engineer. The officials were reportedly called to the room of the Secretary, Housing, where questioning was conducted.
The ED is examining official records and decisions relating to various land and property matters as part of its investigation and the Remigate case is among the matters being examined by the agency. The investigation also covers alleged irregularities in the manner in which land-related permissions and other benefits were granted to private real estate players and sources said some officials could be taken into custody for further questioning as the investigation progresses, however, no official statement has been made by the ED.
The raid and questioning are part of the agency's investigation into the alleged financial and administrative irregularities and further details are expected as the ED continues its examination of documents and officials.