24 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened its investigation into alleged financial irregularities in Punjab’s real-estate and housing sector, examining major decisions taken by the Housing and Urban Development Department and the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).
The agency is particularly examining decisions taken after Chief Secretary KAP Sinha replaced Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann as chairman of all development authorities in June 2025 following a Punjab Cabinet decision.
Land-Use Changes and Major Acquisitions Under Scanner
According to reports, the ED is examining Executive Committee decisions involving changes in land use from agricultural land to residential, commercial or mixed-use categories.
The agency is also scrutinising the proposed and completed acquisition of more than 5,000 acres in Mohali and New Chandigarh, as investigators examine whether statutory planning and land-acquisition processes were allegedly misused.
₹57 Crore Waiver Being Examined
One major focus of the investigation is an alleged ₹57-crore waiver granted to Remigate Infra Developers Pvt Ltd, which is developing a food court on a 1.3-acre site in Phase VIII, Mohali.
The ED is examining the circumstances in which statutory dues and penalties were waived and whether the decision resulted in financial benefits to the private developer.
The agency is also looking at another financial transaction involving a ₹191.16-crore arranger fee paid to a Gujarat-based merchant banker engaged to raise ₹15,000 crore for acquiring around 5,000 acres of land.
Eco City-3 and Aerotropolis Projects Also Under Lens
Files relating to Eco City-3 and the expansion of the Aerotropolis project are also reportedly being examined.
Investigators are looking at the sequence of administrative decisions, approvals and land transactions associated with these projects as part of the wider probe.
Senior Housing Officials Questioned
The ED has questioned senior officials from the Housing Department and GMADA during its ongoing operations.
Housing Secretary Vikas Garg was among the officials questioned, while officials associated with engineering and land-acquisition wings were also examined, according to reports.
The agency has also searched the Chandigarh residence of former GMADA Chief Administrator and IAS officer Rajiv Gupta, indicating that investigators are examining decisions taken during different periods of the authority’s functioning.
Tila Consultants and Other Firms Under Scrutiny
The ED is examining the role of Tila Consultants and Contractors Pvt Ltd, which was involved in assisting GMADA with large-scale land acquisitions.
The agency is also investigating companies including Tirupati Infraprojects, Remigate Group, MB Group and Mera Baba Group in connection with the broader financial investigation.
The agency is looking into property transactions, movement of funds, land allotments, project approvals and financial concessions involving several real-estate entities.
Probe Extends Across Several Punjab Areas
The investigation is not restricted to Mohali.
Reports indicate that the ED is examining transactions and projects across areas including Lalru, Kharar and Kurali, alongside developments in Mohali and New Chandigarh.
Suntec City Investigation Provides Wider Context
The latest action comes alongside the ED’s continuing investigation into alleged irregularities connected with the Suntec City project in New Chandigarh.
The agency has previously questioned senior Punjab IAS officers over issues involving Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions and modifications to approved layouts. Former Chief Secretary Anurag Verma and IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar have been questioned in connection with that probe.
ED Examining Administrative Decision Trail
Investigators are examining how files moved through different departments, who approved land-use changes and concessions, and whether prescribed procedures were followed.
The agency’s wider probe is aimed at establishing whether alleged irregularities in land transactions and administrative decisions generated or facilitated proceeds of crime.
No Finding of Guilt Yet
The investigation remains ongoing. Searches, questioning or scrutiny by the ED do not by themselves establish criminal wrongdoing by an individual or company.
The agency is continuing to examine records, financial transactions and administrative files before determining whether further action is warranted.
Major Real-Estate Decisions Under Focus
The expanding investigation places several aspects of Punjab’s urban development process under scrutiny, including land acquisition, CLU approvals, project layouts, land allotments and the waiver of statutory dues.
The findings of the ongoing investigation will determine whether any violations occurred and whether responsibility can be established.