Did ED Provisional Attach Rs 193 Crore in Goa Land Grab Case?
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Synopsis
The latest action by the ED marks a significant escalation in the Goa land grab case, with properties valued at Rs 193.49 crore being provisionally attached. This comes after earlier attachments, highlighting the ongoing fight against illegal land acquisition in the region.
Key Takeaways
- ED attaches 24 properties worth Rs 193.49 crore in Goa.
- Provisional attachment under PMLA.
- Properties located in Bardez Taluka.
- Previous attachment included 31 properties worth Rs 39.24 crore.
- Investigation involves allegations of land fraud.
Panaji, April 29 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Panaji Zonal Office, announced on Tuesday the provisional attachment of 24 immovable properties valued at Rs 193.49 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in relation to the Goa land grab case.
The attached properties are situated across Bardez Taluka, which includes prominent locations like Calangute, Assagao, Anjuna, Nerul, and Parra. This action was executed through a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) issued on April 25, 2025.
This marks the second provisional attachment in this ongoing case, according to the ED.
Previously, the ED had attached 31 properties worth Rs 39.24 crore in 2023. This earlier attachment received confirmation from the Adjudicating Authority (PMLA) in New Delhi via an order dated April 15, 2024.
The ED’s investigation stems from multiple FIRs filed by the Goa Police and examined by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), focusing on allegations of land grabbing.
The FIRs accuse individuals of fraudulent and illegal land acquisition through means such as forgery, cheating, and the alteration of official records.
As per the ED, the suspects employed forged documents and property deeds created under the names of deceased persons or their ancestors to deceitfully register their names or those of their affiliates in government land records.
These illegally acquired properties were subsequently sold to third parties, resulting in proceeds of crime, or transferred to associates through fictitious sale deeds without any actual payment.
The most recent attachment comprises a combination of properties sold to third parties, those transferred through fraudulent transactions, and additional properties identified during the ongoing investigation.
All the properties are located in high-value, tourism-oriented areas within Bardez Taluka.
With this latest action, the cumulative value of attached properties in this case has increased to Rs 232.73 crore.
Additionally, the ED filed a charge sheet related to this case on April 12, 2024, before the Special Court (PMLA) in Mapusa, which has acknowledged it. Ongoing investigations continue.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the seriousness of the ED's actions regarding the Goa land grab case. The continual attachment of properties under the PMLA illustrates the government's commitment to combating corruption and illegal land dealings. The implications of these investigations extend beyond the individuals involved, impacting the integrity of land ownership across the region.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of the properties attached by the ED?
The total value of the properties provisionally attached by the ED has risen to Rs 232.73 crore.
What allegations are behind the ED's investigation?
The investigation is based on allegations of fraudulent and illegal land acquisition through forgery, cheating, and manipulation of official records.
How many properties were attached in the previous action?
In a previous action, the ED had attached 31 properties worth Rs 39.24 crore in 2023.
What areas do the attached properties cover?
The attached properties are located in Bardez Taluka, including prime areas such as Calangute, Assagao, Anjuna, Nerul, and Parra.
What legal framework is the ED using for these attachments?
The ED is operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
