Enforcement Directorate Investigates Political Ties in Merlin Projects Land Scam
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate is delving into the connections between West Bengal politicians and an alleged land-grabbing scheme linked to Merlin Projects. This investigation has raised significant questions regarding the integrity of political figures involved.
Key Takeaways
Enforcement Directorate is probing links to politicians in a land scam.
Debasish Kumar has been questioned in relation to the case.
Incriminating evidence has been seized during raids.
Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta are central figures in the scandal.
The investigation highlights issues of political corruption in West Bengal.
Kolkata, April 9 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate is actively investigating the connections of prominent political figures in West Bengal related to an illicit land-grabbing and money-laundering case associated with Merlin Projects Limited, founded by Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta.
Among those questioned is Debasish Kumar, a legislator from the Trinamool Congress and the Member–Mayor-in-Council of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. He is currently a candidate for the Rashbehari Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata.
Investigators believe that the scale of the land-grabbing and money-laundering operation could not have been executed without the influence of politically powerful individuals. Sources indicate that financial dealings and roles of these individuals with the Mohtas and the company are under intense scrutiny.
Authorities have seized incriminating digital devices and documents during extensive raids conducted on Wednesday, with the investigation still in progress.
So far, it has been uncovered that Sushil Mohta, Saket Mohta, and other affiliated parties allegedly forged documents and unlawfully obtained numerous land parcels, including public land.
The accused have since exploited the land commercially by launching extensive real estate projects. By misrepresenting themselves as legitimate owners based on these forged documents, they attracted significant public investments into their ventures.
On April 1, the Enforcement Directorate confiscated over Rs 1 crore in cash from the residence of a company executive in the Behala region of the city.
Additionally, unlicensed firearms were discovered at the residence of businessman Biswajit Poddar in the Kasba area of Kolkata.
On Thursday, Rajendra Kumar Gangwal, owner of Sumati Industrial Finance Limited, faced rigorous questioning by Enforcement Directorate officials at their office in Salt Lake, Kolkata, concerning the same investigation.
Point of View
Raising profound questions about accountability and transparency among influential figures. The ongoing scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate illustrates the need for vigilance in the face of potential corruption.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Merlin Projects case about?
The case involves allegations of illegal land-grabbing and money laundering linked to Merlin Projects Limited, promoted by Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta.
Who has been questioned in the investigation?
Debasish Kumar, a Trinamool Congress legislator and Kolkata Municipal Corporation member, has been questioned regarding his potential ties to the case.
What actions has the Enforcement Directorate taken?
The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids, seized documents and digital devices, and recovered significant sums of cash related to the investigation.
What were the findings of the investigation so far?
The investigation revealed that the Mohtas allegedly forged documents to acquire land fraudulently, which was then exploited for real estate projects.
What are the implications of this case?
The case raises serious concerns about political corruption and accountability in land transactions, with potential implications for public trust in governance.
