ED Expands Royale Estate Probe, Former GMADA Officials Under Scanner Over CLU Approvals

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered fresh leads in its investigation into the alleged fraud and money laundering case involving the Royale Estate Group.

Following two days of intensive questioning of the group's directors, Praveen Kansal and Neeraj Kansal, the names of two former officials associated with the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) have reportedly surfaced.

According to sources, the ED has expanded its probe and begun examining the role of several current and former GMADA officials. The agency suspects that Change of Land Use (CLU) approvals may have been granted in violation of established norms, allegedly benefiting certain real estate projects through the involvement of officials.

The ED arrested Praveen Kansal and Neeraj Kansal in Delhi on May 29. Both are being questioned over allegations of money laundering, illegal financial transactions, and suspected manipulation of government procedures.

During the interrogation, ED officials reportedly asked the two directors more than 200 questions covering financial transactions, bank accounts, alleged protection in pending GMADA liabilities, assistance in obtaining CLU approvals and the transfer of investors’ funds across multiple companies.

Preliminary findings have raised suspicions regarding the involvement of four to five GMADA officials. Investigators are now scrutinizing documents and banking records to determine their level of responsibility and possible links to the alleged irregularities.

The probe currently focuses on projects associated with Royal Estate Group, Suntec City, and Altus Space Builders. Authorities suspect that CLU approvals for certain projects may have been obtained using forged documents and allegedly misleading consent letters.

In recent raids conducted at multiple locations, the ED recovered cash, digital records, and several key documents. These materials are now being examined to trace potential connections between government officials and the builder group as the investigation moves forward.