Gurugram: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at premises linked to former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in Gurugram as part of a money-laundering investigation connected to an alleged real-estate fraud.

According to officials cited in reports, the searches were carried out at Kanda's residence, farmhouse and office. The investigation is linked to a case involving real-estate company Vatika Limited and alleged diversion of funds.

What is the ED investigating?

The ED's probe centres on allegations that investors were induced to put money into commercial real-estate projects with promises including timely possession, assured returns, lease rentals and execution of sale deeds.

According to the agency's investigation, four projects under scrutiny allegedly involved the collection of around ₹248.46 crore from 661 investors.

The investors allegedly did not receive possession of the properties or the promised sale deeds, officials said.

Why are Kanda-linked premises being searched?

The ED is investigating the alleged money trail connected to the real-estate transactions.

Officials said funds allegedly diverted from the real-estate company were suspected to have been transferred to various companies linked to Kanda. The searches at his properties are therefore aimed at examining the financial transactions and tracing the movement of the alleged proceeds.

The agency's searches form part of its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Gopal Kanda's political background

Gopal Goyal Kanda is a Haryana politician and the leader of the Haryana Lokhit Party. He previously served as a minister in the Haryana government.

Kanda also represented the Sirsa Assembly constituency but was defeated in the 2024 Haryana Assembly election.

His name has previously figured in several controversies, including the 2012 death of former air hostess Geetika Sharma. In 2023, a Delhi court acquitted Kanda in the case involving allegations of abetment of suicide. That matter is separate from the current ED investigation.

Investigation is at an early stage

The latest searches do not by themselves establish criminal liability against Kanda or any other person linked to the investigation.

The allegations concerning the real-estate projects, collection of funds and alleged diversion of money remain subject to investigation and further legal proceedings.

The ED's searches are intended to gather documents and other evidence and trace the alleged financial transactions. Further action will depend on the evidence collected during the probe.

As the investigation progresses, the agency may examine additional individuals, companies and transactions connected to the alleged money trail.