Former Punjab Chief Secretary Appears Before ED
Former Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma reached the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Wednesday morning in connection with a probe into alleged irregularities involving Change of Land Use (CLU) approvals in Mohali.
Verma arrived at the ED office at around 11:07 am, carrying a file of documents. After stepping out of his vehicle, he went directly inside the office, where ED officials are expected to question him regarding the case.
Summoned Over CLU Approvals
The ED had summoned Verma to appear with documents related to CLU approvals issued in Mohali. The investigation is linked to real estate projects, including Suntec City and Altus Space Builders Private Limited.
The agency is examining alleged financial irregularities involving projects reportedly worth around ₹348 crore, including possible money-laundering aspects.
Multiple Summons Issued
Verma was initially asked to appear before the agency on August 31, but he could not attend and sought additional time to collect the required government records and documents.
The ED subsequently issued another summons for September 7, but Verma did not appear on that date either. Following the developments, he was again directed to appear on September 9 at 10 am.
Why Is Anurag Verma Under ED Scrutiny?
At the time when the alleged irregularities took place, Verma was heading the Housing and Urban Development Department, which is connected with CLU-related approvals.
He is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the Revenue Department of the Punjab government.
ED Probe Focuses On Alleged Financial Irregularities
The ED investigation is focused on tracing the financial aspects of the alleged irregularities and examining records related to the real estate projects and their approvals.
Verma's appearance before the agency is expected to provide investigators with documents and information concerning the decisions and processes followed during the relevant period.
