Mohali. The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) search and survey operation at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) office in Mohali, Punjab, ended on Thursday after continuing for more than 36 hours. The agency reportedly carried away documents and other records in more than 30 bags. The operation was part of a money-laundering investigation involving Delhi-based Tirupati Infraprojects Private Limited and companies linked to it. The ED had launched searches and surveys at 26 premises across Delhi, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and Ludhiana.
During the operation at the GMADA office, officials were questioned and records related to land acquisition, change of land use (CLU) approvals, re-allotment of plots, property auctions and alleged financial concessions to private real estate companies were examined. According to information emerging from the investigation, the agency also scrutinised documents concerning more than 5,000 acres of land in Mohali and New Chandigarh. Alleged irregularities in GMADA records and benefits purportedly extended to private developers are among the issues being examined by the ED.
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The investigation also looked into alleged concessions involving statutory dues linked to Remigate Buildstates. Reports indicate that the ED is examining alleged benefits of around ₹57 crore. The agency is also examining whether rules were followed in decisions concerning land acquisition, plot auctions and other related matters. The allegations are still under investigation, and the role of the parties concerned has not been conclusively established.
During the ED operation, Aam Aadmi Party workers staged a protest outside the GMADA office on Thursday. Protesters allegedly crossed barricades and attempted to enter the premises. Tension escalated when some protesters allegedly pelted stones at ED vehicles. The incident resulted in damage to the windows of at least one vehicle, while some other vehicles were also reportedly damaged. Windows of the GMADA office were also damaged during the incident. Additional security forces were deployed to control the situation.
There was also a reported scuffle between police personnel and protesters during the demonstration. Some protesters were reportedly detained. As the situation became tense, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and other security forces were deployed. The ED officials were subsequently escorted out of the premises under heavy security. Security arrangements remained tight as the team left the GMADA office.
The ED operation was not limited to GMADA. In Ludhiana, the agency also searched the residence of Gurpreet Singh Saini, the nephew of Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian. A government residence in Sector 39, Chandigarh, was also searched. Some reports claimed that cash and jewellery were recovered from the residence of a senior official, but there has been no official confirmation of such a recovery so far.
The ED began the operation on September 22 at premises linked to the promoters, directors and associates of Tirupati Infraprojects Private Limited and its related entities. The investigation also covers Remigate Buildstates India Private Limited, MB Infrabuild Private Limited, Mera Baba Realty Associates Private Limited and Mera Baba Infrastructure Private Limited. The searches are connected with a money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED action has also triggered a political dispute in Punjab. The state government and Aam Aadmi Party have questioned the searches and alleged that the operation was linked to political pressure. These are political allegations and have not been independently established. The ED’s investigation, meanwhile, is focused on records and transactions relating to the alleged financial irregularities and money laundering.
The Punjab government had also approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the operation. An officer appointed by the court inspected the premises where the searches were being conducted, following which the petition was withdrawn. The financial records, property-related documents and other evidence seized during the searches are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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