ED arrests Kolkata real estate director Amit Ganguly in PMLA money laundering case
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested the director of a Kolkata real estate firm on money laundering charges, alleging he used forged sale deeds, fabricated powers of attorney, and manipulated land records to fraudulently acquire properties — and that he is named in around 23 police FIRs. The case signals intensified ED scrutiny of the West Bengal real estate sector.
Key Takeaways
The ED arrested Amit Ganguly , Director of Ganguly Home Search Pvt Ltd , on 15 September 2026 under Section 19 of the PMLA, 2002 .
He was remanded to ED custody for four days by a special PMLA court in Kolkata .
The probe is based on multiple West Bengal Police FIRs; Ganguly is allegedly named in around 23 FIRs .
Investigators allege use of forged sale deeds, powers of attorney, board resolutions, and manipulated land records to fraudulently acquire immovable properties.
Searches conducted on 28 March 2026 led to seizure of documents and digital devices; further investigation is ongoing.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 15 September 2026 arrested Amit Ganguly, Director of Ganguly Home Search Pvt Ltd, on money laundering charges in Kolkata, the agency confirmed on Friday. Ganguly was produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court and remanded to ED custody for four days.
Charges and Allegations
The ED invoked Section 19 of the PMLA, 2002 for the arrest. According to the agency, its investigation centres on the fraudulent acquisition, control, and transfer of immovable properties belonging to multiple individuals and entities. The probe was initiated on the basis of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the West Bengal Police concerning scheduled offences under the PMLA.
Investigators allege that Ganguly, acting in connivance with associates and through a network of entities, engaged in cheating, forgery, and other fraudulent means to unlawfully acquire and transfer valuable immovable properties. Notably, the agency has named him in around 23 FIRs, indicating a pattern of conduct that allegedly defrauded multiple investors and landowners.
Modus Operandi: Forged Documents and Manipulated Records
The ED's investigation reportedly uncovered the use of forged and fabricated documents — including sale deeds, agreements, powers of attorney, deeds of gift, board resolutions, and other records — to assert false rights over properties. Land and municipal records were allegedly manipulated to interfere with the possession and ownership rights of legitimate property owners.
According to the agency, Ganguly also acquired development rights over properties by entering into joint ventures with landowners, but allegedly failed to honour their lawful entitlements. Instead, he purportedly fabricated documents to assert control over the properties. The proceeds and property rights arising from such activities have been classified as 'proceeds of crime' under the PMLA.
Earlier Searches and Seized Evidence
The ED had conducted searches on 28 March 2026 at premises linked to Ganguly, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents, digital devices, and other records. Examination of the seized material allegedly revealed his influence with local authorities in matters relating to real estate projects and immovable properties.
The proceeds of crime identified during the investigation include valuable immovable properties and associated property rights, the agency stated.
What Happens Next
Further investigation is currently in progress, the ED said. With Ganguly in custody, investigators are expected to trace the full chain of alleged fraud, map associated entities, and identify additional proceeds of crime. The case adds to a growing cluster of ED actions targeting real estate fraud in West Bengal under the PMLA framework.
Point of View
A sector long criticised for opacity in land transactions and document registration. The allegation of influence with local authorities — if substantiated — raises questions about systemic complicity that goes beyond a single promoter. With 23 FIRs across multiple complainants, the case has the hallmarks of an organised scheme rather than isolated fraud. The real accountability test will be whether the proceeds-of-crime trail leads to full restitution for duped investors and landowners, not merely a headline arrest.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amit Ganguly and why was he arrested?
Amit Ganguly is the Director of Ganguly Home Search Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based real estate firm. The ED arrested him on 15 September 2026 under Section 19 of the PMLA for alleged money laundering linked to fraudulent acquisition and transfer of immovable properties through forged documents and manipulation of land records.
What is the alleged modus operandi in the case?
According to the ED, Ganguly allegedly used forged sale deeds, fabricated powers of attorney, deeds of gift, and board resolutions to assert false ownership over properties. He also reportedly entered joint ventures with landowners, failed to honour their entitlements, and then manipulated municipal and land records to seize control of the assets.
How many FIRs is Amit Ganguly named in?
The ED stated that Ganguly is named in around 23 FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police, relating to cheating, forgery, and other scheduled offences under the PMLA. The multiple complaints indicate an alleged pattern of fraud against investors and landowners across several transactions.
What did the ED find during its March 2026 searches?
On 28 March 2026, the ED conducted searches at premises linked to Ganguly and seized incriminating documents, digital devices, and other records. The examination of this material allegedly revealed his influence with local authorities in real estate matters, according to the agency.
What happens next in the ED investigation?
Ganguly has been remanded to ED custody for four days, during which investigators are expected to question him and map the alleged network of entities and associates. The agency has said further investigation is in progress, with the focus on tracing proceeds of crime, including immovable properties and property rights identified so far.
