Has the ED seized Rs 2.20 crore in a government land scam?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the ED has seized Rs 2.20 crore worth of property linked to a government land scam in Dehradun. This case reveals deep-rooted corruption involving private individuals and government officials. Dive into the details of this unfolding story of fraud and justice.
Key Takeaways
- ED seized property worth Rs 2.20 crore.
- Gopal Goenka is a key suspect in the case.
- Investigation based on CBI FIRs.
- Manipulation of land records was involved.
- Windlass was arrested for land fraud.
Dehradun, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated immovable assets worth Rs 2.20 crore in relation to a scandal involving the illegal occupation of government land in Dehradun by private individuals and collusion with officials from the government's revenue department, as confirmed by an official on Friday.
The properties seized by the investigative agency comprise land associated with Gopal Goenka, a primary suspect in the forgery and unlawful land transaction case, according to an ED representative from the Dehradun Sub Zonal Office.
On October 1, the federal investigation agency issued a Provisional Attachment Order concerning the case involving Sudhir Windlass and others, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, thereby attaching ill-gotten gains in the form of immovable property valued at Rs 2.20 crore.
“The attached assets include land owned by Gopal Goenka,” stated the agency's announcement.
The ED's inquiry was initiated based on FIRs filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Dehradun, under multiple sections of the IPC, 1860, regarding the encroachment of government land by private entities in collusion with revenue officials.
The investigation uncovered that Goenka, along with accomplices, had fraudulently sold two hectares of government land in Johri Village, Dehradun to private buyers by manipulating official revenue records in coordination with revenue officials.
It was found that documents from the revenue department, such as Khataunis and Khasra, were altered by overwriting existing land area information.
The ED's probe further indicated that Goenka profited from the sale of 2 hectares of government land and subsequently utilized the illicit money to acquire additional properties.
According to investigators, Windlass was apprehended by the CBI on December 21, 2023, following a complaint regarding land fraud.
The state government mandated a CBI investigation, which corroborated the allegations. A Special CBI Court in Dehradun later convicted Windlass and two others, leading them to appeal the ruling in the Uttarakhand High Court.
Point of View
We uphold the values of integrity and accountability. The ED's actions in this case highlight the importance of safeguarding public assets and ensuring that those who exploit them face the consequences. This story serves as a reminder of our commitment to transparency and justice in governance.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the seized property?
The seized property is valued at Rs 2.20 crore.
Who is Gopal Goenka?
Gopal Goenka is a key accused in the forgery and illegal land case linked to the government land scam.
What act is the ED operating under?
The ED is operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
What was the basis for the ED's investigation?
The ED's investigation was initiated based on FIRs registered by the CBI regarding encroachment of government land.
What was manipulated in the government records?
Documents such as Khataunis and Khasra were tampered with to illegally sell government land.
