ED Raids at GMADA: Political Interference, ₹57-Crore Dues Waiver & Alleged Land Deal Bungling Under Scanner, Claims ED
ED Search: GMADA Officials Among Key Persons Covered; Agency Alleges Irregularities in Land Deals and Dues Waiver
Mohali/Chandigarh, September 24: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said that its search and survey operation in connection with the Tirupati Infraprojects case covered 26 premises across Delhi, Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ludhiana under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED said the operation covered promoters, directors and associated persons linked with Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt. Ltd., Remigate Buildestates (India) Pvt. Ltd., MB Infrabuild Pvt. Ltd., Mera Baba Reality Associates Pvt. Ltd. and Mera Baba Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.
Senior GMADA/Housing officials covered
According to the ED, the key persons covered during the survey/searches included:
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Vikas Garg, IAS – Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development
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Sandeep Rishi, IAS – Chief Administrator, GMADA
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Amarinder Malhi, PCS – Additional Chief Administrator, GMADA
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Rohit Jindal, PCS – Land Acquisition Collector, GMADA
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Rajeev Gupta, IAS – former Chief Administrator, GMADA
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Kirit Sadhu Bas – Director, Tila Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.
The agency also covered directors and promoters associated with the companies under investigation.
ED alleges ₹57-crore dues waiver
The ED has alleged that pecuniary benefits of around ₹57 crore were granted through waiver of statutory dues to M/s Remigate Infra Developers Pvt. Ltd. The agency said its pre-search information indicated possible collusion involving senior GMADA officials and that the information had been shared with other law-enforcement agencies under Section 66(2) of the PMLA.
The agency is also examining alleged irregularities in land acquisition, compensation, allotment and auction-related decisions.
Allegations regarding GMADA decisions
The ED has further alleged that certain political figures and persons associated with them held informal meetings with GMADA officials concerning master plans, auctions, acquisitions and compensation-related decisions. The agency has made specific allegations concerning former Delhi minister Satyendra Jain and AAP leader Manish Sisodia, which remain part of the investigation.
The ED also alleged that an unofficial office arrangement within PUDA Bhawan was being used by Amarender Jha, described by the agency as OSD to Satyendra Jain, to influence GMADA-related decisions.
Land auctions and compensation under scrutiny
According to the ED, searches also brought under scrutiny the functioning of Tila Consultancy, which the agency alleged was operating from premises connected with GMADA/PUDA Bhawan and had close links with officials dealing with land acquisition.
The agency said it found indications of irregularities relating to compensation payments, transfer deeds, Letters of Intent and treatment of co-sharers in land acquisition matters.
The ED has further alleged that reserve prices of some unsold GMADA land parcels were manipulated downward before auctions, potentially causing a loss of nearly ₹10,000 crore to GMADA and the Punjab government. This is an allegation made by the agency and remains subject to investigation.
ED says GMADA remained operational during searches
The agency said GMADA offices remained open throughout the search, with public access, counters and dak portals functioning normally. According to the ED, officers being questioned were provided food, rest and medical facilities and were allowed to communicate with their families.
The ED also referred to the Punjab government's habeas corpus petition (CRWP-11813-2026) before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court appointed Rajan Nanda, Registrar (Admin-II), as Warrant Officer, who visited the GMADA premises at around 2:50 a.m. on September 24 and interacted with the concerned officers.
According to the ED's account, the officers told the Warrant Officer that they had not been illegally detained or subjected to undue pressure. The Punjab government subsequently withdrew the petition, following which the High Court dismissed it as withdrawn, while leaving relevant issues open for appropriate proceedings.
The allegations made by the ED are part of an ongoing investigation, and being covered by a search or questioning does not by itself establish wrongdoing against any individual because these are only allegations not proved by any court.
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