Gurgaon: Enforcement Directorate on Thursday searched three premises linked to former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda in connection with its money-laundering probe into an alleged large-scale real estate fraud involving Vatika Limited. The searches, conducted under Section 17 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), covered Kanda’s residence, farmhouse and office in the city.According to ED, the investigation covers four projects in which approximately ₹248 crore was collected from 661 investors, who were allegedly promised timely possession, assured returns, lease rentals and execution of sale deeds. The agency said possession had not been handed over and the promised sale deeds had not been executed till date.The agency alleged that the collected funds were diverted and subsequently transferred to various companies linked to Kanda. Thursday’s searches were aimed at tracing this financial trail — examining transactions, records and other material to establish how the allegedly diverted funds moved and were used, officials said.The action follows ED’s broader investigation into Vatika Limited and its group entities, under which the agency has previously examined allegations that investors paid for real estate projects but did not receive the promised properties or returns. In an earlier search in Oct 2024, ED said it had seized documents and digital devices relating to investor payments, loans taken by group companies, and other financial records. Kanda founded Haryana Lokhit Party and was part of the Haryana cabinet under Congress govt.
