The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma to appear before the agency on August 31 in connection with its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities linked to Suntec City and Altus Space Builders Private Limited.
Verma, who is currently serving as Punjab’s Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue, has been asked to appear at the ED’s zonal office in Jalandhar. This will be his first appearance before the agency in the case.
Why has Anurag Verma been summoned?
The ED is examining decisions related to the grant of Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions and alleged unauthorised changes made to approved project layouts. The agency is also looking into whether prescribed procedures were followed and whether any of the alleged deviations benefited private developers.
At the time of the developments under scrutiny, Verma was heading Punjab’s Housing and Urban Development Department.
Kanwal Preet Brar also under ED scanner
The development comes alongside the questioning of IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar, who was re-summoned by the ED to appear on August 27. Brar had earlier appeared before the agency on August 18 and was asked to bring additional documents related to the investigation.
The agency is examining the roles of officials involved in processing and approving the relevant land-use and layout-related matters.
What is the ED probing?
The investigation also covers allegations surrounding changes in approved layouts of major projects. In the Muirwoods Ecocity matter, it has been alleged that group housing sites were transferred to Dhir Constructions, owned by Gaurav Dhir, after an application to transfer them to GMADA was rejected.
In the Suntec City matter, allegations have also been raised over action taken under Section 85 of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act despite claims of material misrepresentation that could have attracted action under Section 90.
The ED is now examining official records and the decision-making process behind these approvals and subsequent changes.
August 31 appearance in focus
With Anurag Verma scheduled to appear before the ED on August 31, the agency is expected to seek further clarification and documents regarding decisions taken during his tenure in the Housing and Urban Development Department.
The investigation remains ongoing as the ED continues examining the alleged irregularities and the roles of officials and private entities connected to the projects.