24 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : A High Court-appointed Warrant Officer visited the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) office in Phase 8, Mohali, at around 4 am on Thursday, hours after the Punjab Government approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking judicial intervention in the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) search operations.
The officer was tasked with monitoring the search and seizure proceedings and submitting a status report to the court by 2 pm on Thursday.
High Court Steps In After Punjab’s Plea
The Punjab Government moved an urgent application before the High Court late Wednesday, seeking the appointment of a Warrant Officer to oversee the ED’s operations.
During the hearing, the court was told that senior Punjab Government officials were allegedly being detained during the search operations and that the state machinery had effectively come to a standstill.
Taking note of the submissions, the Bench appointed a senior-rank Warrant Officer and authorised the officer to visit and inspect the search sites at any time.
Warrant Officer Reaches GMADA Office Early Morning
According to the latest report, the Warrant Officer reached the GMADA office at about 4 am, accompanied by Chandigarh Police DSP Abhinandan.
After reaching the premises, the officer entered the office alone and met the ED officials overseeing the ongoing search and surveillance operation.
The officer remained inside for more than an hour and left at around 5.40 am.
Report Due Before 2 PM
The High Court has directed the Warrant Officer to submit a report by 2 pm Thursday.
The report is expected to provide the court with information about the search and seizure operations and the circumstances observed at the site.
ED Searches Continue at GMADA
The development comes as ED teams continue searches at the GMADA headquarters in Phase 8, Mohali.
The operation forms part of a wider multi-city investigation involving properties and entities linked to Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd and associated firms, including Remigate Buildestates, MB Infrabuild and Mera Baba Reality.
Probe Into Land Transactions
According to reports, the ED is examining alleged irregularities involving land acquisitions, changes in land use and compensation payments.
Investigators are also examining the alleged role of a private consultancy firm in facilitating transactions under scrutiny. The probe covers locations in Delhi, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and Ludhiana.
Other Locations Also Searched
The ED’s operation has extended beyond GMADA.
The agency reportedly searched the residence of Gurpreet Singh Saini, nephew of Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, in Sahnewal, Ludhiana.
ED officials also reportedly searched a government bungalow in Sector 39, Chandigarh, associated with former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain.
Court Monitoring Adds Another Dimension
The appointment of the Warrant Officer means the High Court is directly monitoring the ongoing search operations following the Punjab Government’s allegations and submissions.
The court has authorised the officer to inspect the search sites at any time, with the report expected to help the Bench assess the circumstances surrounding the operations.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings Continue
The ED’s investigation remains ongoing, while the Punjab Government’s challenge has brought the manner in which the searches are being conducted before the High Court.
The court’s intervention does not determine the merits of the underlying financial investigation. Further developments are expected after the Warrant Officer submits the required report.