Chandigarh: In a dramatic turn of events during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid linked to an alleged land fraud and money laundering investigation in Punjab, bundles of cash were reportedly thrown from the ninth floor of a residential building in Mohali. The incident, which unfolded at Western Towers in Sector 127, Chajju Majra, created a sensational scene reminiscent of a film sequence, with ₹500 currency notes later found scattered on the ground.
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Cash Thrown During Search Operation
According to officials and sources, two bags allegedly filled with approximately ₹21 lakh in cash were thrown out of the building during the search operation. The raid was being conducted at the premises of Nitin Gohal, an IT professional, who is suspected of having links to individuals involved in facilitating irregular land transactions and bypassing regulatory payments related to GMADA.
Morning walkers in the locality reportedly noticed currency notes lying around the complex and immediately alerted authorities, further intensifying the visibility of the operation. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as residents gathered outside the building while enforcement officials secured the area and continued their search for several hours.
The ED investigation is part of a broader money laundering probe involving alleged irregularities in land use permissions, investor fund collection, and large-scale real estate transactions. Sources said that the case also examines whether political or administrative influence was used to shield certain builders who allegedly defaulted on statutory dues.
Land Approvals and Builder Links Under Scanner
Officials claimed that Nitin Gohal was being questioned for allegedly arranging protection for builders involved in non-payment of development charges. The investigation also includes scrutiny of Change of Land Use approvals granted by local authorities and the subsequent financial flows linked to these approvals.
Simultaneous searches were reportedly carried out at multiple locations across Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to real estate projects and associated firms. The operation covered several builders and companies, including entities associated with major township developments under scrutiny.
The incident quickly took a political turn after videos showing cash scattered on the ground surfaced on social media platforms. Political parties in Punjab reacted sharply, with opposition leaders alleging large-scale corruption and misuse of power. Meanwhile, the ruling leadership denied any direct connection with individuals under investigation, stating that agencies are free to probe any case independently.
Money Trail and Property Records Being Examined
In parallel statements, opposition leaders claimed that the visuals emerging from the raid reflected deep-rooted corruption in the system and demanded a thorough investigation into the source and movement of the alleged funds. They also called for a complete money trail analysis, including possible offshore transactions.
Officials familiar with the investigation said that the focus is now on tracing the origin of the seized cash, digital transactions, and property records linked to the accused individuals and firms. The ED is also examining whether the funds were generated through inflated project costs, unauthorized investor collections, or illegal land dealings.
The case has once again brought attention to the vulnerability of real estate and infrastructure sectors to financial irregularities, particularly in regions experiencing rapid urban expansion. Experts note that complex approval systems, combined with high-value transactions, often create opportunities for misuse and opaque dealings.
Cyber and financial crime specialists emphasize that modern money laundering networks frequently involve layered transactions, cash routing, and use of shell entities, making investigations more challenging. In such cases, coordination between financial intelligence units, enforcement agencies, and digital forensic teams becomes crucial.
