CHANDIGARH/MOHALI – A dramatic scene unfolded at Western Towers in Kharar, Mohali, on Thursday morning as occupants of a high-rise flat allegedly threw bags stuffed with cash from a ninth-floor window to evade Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. Residents out for morning walks witnessed “money rain” as bundles of ₹500 notes scattered across the building premises.
The incident occurred during simultaneous raids at 12 locations across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Patiala, targeting a major real estate scam and financial fraud.
Key Details of the Raid
- The Target: The specific flat (906) is reportedly linked to Nitin Gohal, an IT professional and businessman. Gohal is alleged to be a close associate of Rajbir Ghuman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
- The Cash: ED officials secured two bags containing approximately ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh (reports vary between ₹2.1 million and ₹2.5 million) in ₹500 denominations. A fleeing driver was reportedly apprehended while attempting to pick up one of the bags.
- The Allegations: Gohal is under the scanner for allegedly acting as a mediator between defaulting builders and influential political figures. He is accused of facilitating fraudulent Change of Land Use (CLU) licenses from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and helping developers evade government fees and legal penalties.
Builders Under the Scanner
The ED operation targeted several prominent builders and housing projects suspected of involvement in the multi-crore land fraud:
- Suntec City (owned by Ajay Sehgal)
- Altus Builders
- ABS Townships Private Limited
- Dhir Constructions
Political Fallout
The raids have triggered a political stir in Punjab, given the alleged links between Nitin Gohal and the Chief Minister’s office. Sources indicate that the investigation centers on a multi-layered fraud where developers collected hundreds of crores from investors but defaulted on government dues, using political protection to stall recovery proceedings.
ED teams continued their search throughout the day, examining financial records, digital devices, and property documents. Further updates are expected as the agency processes the seized evidence.