Former Punjab Chief Secretary and senior IAS officer Anurag Verma did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday, despite being summoned in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities involving Suntec City and Altus Space Builders Private Limited in Mohali.
Verma has sought an extension from the investigating officers, following which the ED is expected to issue him a fresh summons.
Why Has the ED Summoned Anurag Verma?
Verma’s role is under scrutiny because he was heading Punjab’s Housing and Urban Development Department during the period when the alleged irregularities took place.
The ED is examining whether rules and procedures were violated while granting Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions and allowing modifications to the approved layouts of projects linked to the private developers.
The investigation is also looking into alleged decisions that may have benefited the builders.
Muirwoods Ecocity Transfer Under Scanner
A key aspect of the probe relates to the Muirwoods Ecocity mega project.
According to the allegations, following an unauthorised modification of the project layout, certain group housing sites were transferred to Dhir Constructions, associated with Gaurav Dhir.
The transfer allegedly took place after an application seeking transfer of the sites to the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) was rejected.
The ED is examining the circumstances surrounding these decisions and whether established rules were followed.
Verma Was Summoned for August 31
The ED had asked Verma to appear before its Jalandhar zonal office on August 31. However, instead of appearing, he requested more time to join the investigation.
The agency is expected to issue a fresh summons to the officer. Verma is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue, Punjab.
