ED summons Punjab-cadre IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar over probe into Mohali's Suntec City project
PTC News Desk: The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Punjab-cadre IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar in connection with ongoing investigation into the money-laundering case linked to Suntec City project in Mohali.
The central agency is currently investigating alleged irregularities in granting modified change of land use (CLU) permissions for the Suntec City project.
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Kanwal Preet is reportedly to be interrogated about the processing and approval of CLU permissions allegedly based on forged consent documents. If sources are to be believed then role of other bureaucrats posted in the Housing Department during 2024 is also under scrutiny.
“The summons has been sent to the officer through email. Investigators want to know what due diligence was exercised to verify landowners’ consent for the sale of land to the developer,” ED sources said.
Notably, Brar served as Director, Town and Country Planning, in 2024.
The investigation has expanded to look into alleged irregularities in the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the Housing Department. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned several senior officials and asked for complete details of Change of Land Use (CLU) approvals given to Suntec City and other projects.
The case involves allegations that fake consent letters, containing forged signatures and thumb impressions of landowners, were used to obtain CLU approvals. Suntec City was first granted CLU approval in 2016, which was re-issued in 2024.
In July, the ED filed a chargesheet before a special PMLA court in Mohali against Ajay Sehgal, secretary of Indian Co-operative House Building Limited and promoter of Suntec City. He is accused of laundering nearly Rs 348 crore and was arrested in May. The investigation began after an FIR was registered at Mullanpur police station in November 2022 following complaints from landowners. GMADA later cancelled the society's licence.
- With inputs from agencies
