ED raids seven locations in Bengal linked to Merlin Group in money laundering probe

The ED alleged that the accused commercially "exploited" the purportedly grabbed land by launching "large-scale" real estate projects.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) logo used for representational purposes only.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) logo used for representational purposes only.(File Photo)
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at premises linked to Kolkata-based real estate firm Merlin Group and its promoters as part of a money laundering investigation, officials said.

Around seven locations associated with the group and its promoters, Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta, were raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.

A response from the company on the searches is awaited.

The promoters and the company are under the federal probe agency's scanner on charges of fabricating a "false" chain of title using "forged" documents, leading to allegations of land grabbing.

The action comes at a time when West Bengal is poll-bound, with two-phased voting scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

The ED alleged that the accused commercially "exploited" the purportedly grabbed land by launching "large-scale" real estate projects.

By projecting themselves as lawful owners using "forged" documents, the accused induced the public to invest "substantial" sums in their real estate projects, according to the agency.

(With inputs from PTI)

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