ED Widens Mohali Real Estate Probe as GMADA Officials and Former IAS Officer Face Scrutiny

ED widens its Mohali real estate probe, examining GMADA land deals, around 45 firms, senior officials and transactions linked to Suntec City.
ED Widens Mohali Real Estate Probe as GMADA Officials and Former IAS Officer Face Scrutiny

Mohali | September 24, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened its investigation into alleged financial irregularities in Mohali’s real estate sector, bringing serving GMADA officials, a former senior IAS officer and transactions involving around 45 real estate firms under scrutiny.

The latest action could have implications for property developers, land-allottees and projects across Mohali and adjoining areas as the agency examines land auctions, project approvals, outstanding dues, financial concessions and the movement of funds.


What Changed in the Mohali Real Estate Probe

The ED continued its search at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) headquarters for the second consecutive day and questioned senior officials.

Vikas Garg, Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, was questioned at the GMADA office, while officials associated with engineering and land acquisition departments were also examined.

The agency also searched the Chandigarh residence of Rajiv Gupta, former GMADA Chief Administrator and IAS officer, as part of its investigation into decisions and records from his tenure.

According to sources cited in the report, the ED is also examining the possibility of taking further action against senior officials. However, no arrest has been publicly established in the information available.


Around 45 Real Estate Firms Under ED Scrutiny

The investigation has expanded beyond individual officials to transactions involving around 45 real estate companies and firms operating in Mohali and nearby areas.

The firms reportedly being examined include:

  • Tirupati Infra Projects
  • Mera Baba Group
  • Remigate Group
  • Suntec City
  • MB Group

The ED is examining property transactions, loans and fund movements to determine whether money raised or generated through real estate activities was allegedly diverted or invested elsewhere.

The probe reportedly covers a wider geographical area stretching from Lalru to Kharar and Kurali, rather than being limited to Mohali city.

 


Two GMADA Auction Sites Become a Key Focus

Two properties auctioned by GMADA to companies linked to developers under scrutiny have emerged as a major part of the investigation.

The ED is examining whether the companies had pending payments to GMADA for several years and how interest, penalties or other outstanding amounts were subsequently reduced or waived.

The agency is also examining:

  • How the relevant files moved through GMADA
  • Which officials processed or approved the decisions
  • Whether financial concessions were justified
  • Whether any concession resulted in financial loss to the authority
  • How the properties were developed after acquisition

The properties were reportedly acquired when land prices were significantly lower. The ED is now examining their subsequent development and the handling of outstanding dues after property values increased.


Why Property Owners and Developers Should Care

The investigation could put greater attention on the financial and administrative history of large land parcels and development projects in the Mohali region.

For developers and investors, the key issue is not simply the ED searches but the records behind land transactions, approvals and government dues.

Property stakeholders with projects involving authority-allotted land may need to maintain clear documentation covering:

  • Original allotment and auction records
  • Payment schedules and outstanding dues
  • Interest or penalty calculations
  • Approval and sanction files
  • Development permissions
  • Loan and funding records
  • Transfers between related entities

Any wider regulatory action could also affect the timelines or transaction processes of projects directly connected to the investigation.

 


Suntec City Project Adds Another Layer

The latest ED action comes amid the agency’s continuing investigation into the Suntec City project in New Chandigarh.

The agency has been examining alleged irregularities involving land-use approvals, property transactions and dealings between private entities and government authorities.

During the GMADA search, officials reportedly examined records related to projects and approvals and questioned personnel about files handled by their respective departments. Documents and electronic devices were also examined.

The ED is now examining whether transactions involving the two GMADA auction sites or the companies under scrutiny have any financial or operational connection with the wider Suntec City investigation.


What Happens Next for Mohali Real Estate

The investigation is expected to focus on transaction trails, government records, financial concessions and the role of officials involved in approving or processing the relevant decisions.

For now, the ED has not publicly disclosed the complete findings of the probe. Searches, questioning or scrutiny of a company or individual do not by themselves establish wrongdoing.

For property buyers and investors, the developments make the documentation and regulatory history of projects particularly important, especially where land was acquired through government authorities, large-scale auctions or complex developer structures.

The next major development will depend on the ED’s findings from the records, financial transactions and electronic evidence examined during the ongoing investigation.