ED Raids Punjab Builders in Land Fraud Probe; Alleged Links to CM Bhagwant Mann

ED Raids Punjab Builders in Land Fraud Probe; Alleged Links to CM Bhagwant Mann

These raids take place amidst broader allegations regarding a “16-step corruption model” purportedly used by AAP leadership to plunder the state exchequer.

RMN News Political Desk
New Delhi | May 7, 2026

On Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive searches across Punjab and Chandigarh targeting real estate companies and builders suspected of money laundering in a significant land fraud case. The probe centers on about a dozen locations linked to different projects and firms, conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Focus on Political Links and GMADA Fraud

Central to the investigation is Nitin Gohal, an associate reportedly linked to Rajbir Ghuman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Officials allege that Gohal assisted builders who defaulted on Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) fees and helped arrange political protection for them. The accused are further charged with fraudulently obtaining change of land use (CLU) licenses and cheating the public by collecting crores of rupees from investors.

Also Read:

[ Allegations of Grand Corruption in the Delhi Excise Policy Investigation ]

[ Investigating the AAP Corruption Model and Systematic Financial Misconduct Allegations ]

Dramatic Scenes in Kharar

A sensational incident occurred during a raid at the Western Towers residential society in Kharar, where two bags stuffed with Rs 500 notes were thrown from a ninth-floor flat. While the ED has not officially confirmed if these cash bags are directly connected to the land fraud probe, viral social media footage showed currency scattered across the ground.

SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia responded to the incident on social media, alleging the money belongs to OSD Rajbir Ghuman and claiming that the raids have unearthed major hawala transactions. Majithia described the situation as an exposure of “Kattar Fraudsters”.

Allegations of Systematic Corruption

These raids take place amidst broader allegations regarding a “16-step corruption model“ purportedly used by AAP leadership to plunder the state exchequer. Critics claim that the party utilizes corrupt bureaucrats and police officers as frontal centers to collect and share illicit funds.

The sources also suggest significant internal turmoil within the party, including a “brutal gang war” between leadership factions over control of embezzled money allegedly hidden in offshore accounts through the UK. Furthermore, opposition leaders in Punjab have raised allegations that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has acquired illegal assets in Australia and other international locations. Bhagwant Mann has rejected the allegations.

Beyond the specific case, recent investigative discourse and research reports—such as the India Judicial Research Report 2025 and the India Corruption Research Report 2025—have raised provocative systemic critiques regarding a “vicious cycle” of institutional decay. These reports describe a “bribe for bail” culture facilitated by “criminal intermediaries” who leverage political affiliations to influence judicial outcomes.