CHANDIGARH: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at nearly a dozen locations across Chandigarh and Mohali on Thursday morning, targeting properties linked to several prominent builders. Multiple ED teams carried out the searches simultaneously under tight security, creating a stir in the real estate sector in Punjab and Chandigarh. According to reports, chaos broke out during an ED raid at a building in Mohali, where bags allegedly filled with Rs 500 currency notes were reportedly thrown from the ninth floor. Eyewitnesses claimed that bundles of Rs 500 notes were seen falling from the building during the operation. A video that surfaced from the spot purportedly shows two bags filled with cash lying on the ground, with bundles of Rs 500 notes scattered nearby. Preliminary reports suggest that the cash recovered from the two bags is estimated to be around Rs 25 lakh. Sources said the ED action is linked to an alleged large-scale financial fraud involving the acquisition of Change of Land Use (CLU) licenses from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), and the alleged cheating of members of the public of hundreds of crores of rupees. The raids were reportedly launched following complaints received by the central agency. During the searches, ED officials examined documents, financial records and suspected illegal transactions linked to the case. Detailed information regarding the operation is awaited from the investigating agency. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
