Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened its money laundering investigation following the arrest of Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, extending its scrutiny to multiple real estate projects approved after 2019.
As part of the expanded probe, the agency has sought several key files and official records from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). Investigators are examining the approval process, financial transactions, and documentation related to various real estate developments to determine whether any irregularities occurred.
The ED has specifically requested documents linked to the Chandigarh Royal City Project located in Karala village, Dera Bassi. The agency has sought details of Change of Land Use (CLU) approvals, colony development licences, official clearances, and related explanations. It is also reviewing records concerning External Development Charges (EDC) and other financial liabilities between GMADA and the project promoters.
According to sources, the agency is investigating whether there were any irregularities in project approvals, financial dealings, or the utilisation of funds. Officials from GMADA’s accounts branch and the Town and Country Planning Department have reportedly been called for questioning and document verification.
The Chandigarh Royal City project has already been under the scanner of investigating agencies. In July 2025, the Punjab Police registered a case alleging a ₹32.67 crore cheque bounce, fraud, and criminal conspiracy, following which the ED initiated a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The agency is also examining allegations of fund diversion and pending payments owed to GMADA. In connection with the case, Royal Estate Group promoters Praveen Kansal and Neeraj Kansal were arrested in Delhi on May 30 and are currently in judicial custody. Earlier, the ED had conducted raids at multiple locations linked to the group across Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur, and other parts of Punjab.
