Mohali: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday searched 14 locations in Chandigarh, Mohali and adjoining areas as part of its probe into the alleged diversion and layering of funds in the Rs 650-crore bank fraud case.The ED probe follows an FIR registered by Haryana Police in Feb into alleged irregularities involving accounts of the development and panchayats department maintained with IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank.During the investigation, names of several jewellers and entities in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula reportedly surfaced. Sources said the searches were conducted at premises linked to jewellers and others, with the agency examining documents, account records and other material and questioning those present.The ED is examining whether funds allegedly diverted from govt accounts were routed through different bank accounts and entities before being layered through jewellers’ accounts to conceal their source. It is also examining whether the alleged diversion involved funds belonging to departments other than development and panchayats, including the Chandigarh administration, sources said.The CBI is separately investigating the alleged bank fraud and is expected to file its third chargesheet in the case. Sources said six Haryana-cadre IAS officers are among those named as accused in the CBI probe. The ED has so far attached or seized assets worth around Rs 211 crore in connection with the case, according to sources.The ED has not issued a detailed statement on Tuesday’s searches.The agency’s action in Mohali continued for the second consecutive day, with around 15 officials searching premises of a real estate firm and examining records related to change of land use (CLU) and alleged financial irregularities. On Tuesday, the agency also reportedly searched Mohali City Centre.
