Enforcement Directorate (ED) has increased its focus on the land-use approvals, compensation issues and planning in the state of Punjab after filing three cases in connection with the FIRs filed by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau. These include FIRs filed in connection with Guava Orchard compensation scam case, CLU for Suntec City and an additional FIR involving Chief Town Planner Pankaj Bawa.

According to officials, the ED has summoned officers of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), sought planning and registry records and expanded its probe into land transactions in the Majri block and New Chandigarh region. The agency is examining alleged irregularities in land acquisition, compensation, CLU permissions and project approvals.

The first FIR on the basis of which the ED initiated its investigations is related to “Guava Orchard Compensation Scam”, which originated through the Vigilance Bureau in the year 2023. The case relates to the fraudulent claim for compensation worth ₹137 crore in relation to the land given for Aerocity and IT City, Mohali, for Guava Orchards.

It was alleged that once the land acquisition scheme came into knowledge, there was planting of guava trees either directly or recording of their presence in government documents to enhance the value of compensation. Following the filing of the Vigilance First Information Report, the ED subsequently filed charges against the accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Second FIR filed in November 2022 is about Suntec City, as well as approvals of CLUs in relation to Mohali-New Chandigarh. It concerns the conversion of the land, initially set aside for institutional and educational purposes into highly valuable projects of commercial and residential nature through improper land use planning.

The ED has reportedly been analyzing land-use permissions and other regulatory clearances for any deviations from the laid-out guidelines. It has been reported that the authorities are investigating into financial transactions involving developers and other third-party agencies related to the projects under scrutiny.

The third FIR that has been filed as part of the case involves Chief Town Planner Pankaj Bawa in connection with approvals for several property schemes in Punjab.

At present, the investigation by the ED is focused on the money trail and analysis of the land dealings. Moreover, information about the actions of concerned individuals related to approvals is also taken into consideration as part of the investigation.