In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of searches across Chandigarh and Punjab today, as part of its investigation into a sprawling money-laundering case related to an alleged guava orchard compensation scam. Official sources have confirmed the operation.
The ED team, dispatched from Delhi, zeroed in on multiple locations, including the residence of high-ranking officials. Notably, the residence of Varun Roojam, an IAS officer serving as the Excise and Taxation Commissioner of Punjab, was searched in Chandigarh. Simultaneously, the residence of Ferozepur DC Rajesh Dhiman also came under the ED’s scrutiny.
The scandal involves the misappropriation of over Rs 130 crore by certain individuals who purportedly planted guava trees on land earmarked for acquisition by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). This ploy was allegedly orchestrated to inflate compensation claims for the said land.
Previously investigated by the state Vigilance Bureau, the scam has already led to the arrest of more than 20 individuals. Among the latest developments, Rajesh Dhiman has been detained from his official residence in Ferozepur and is being escorted to Patiala for further questioning.
The ED teams remain active, with ongoing searches at the residence of chartered accountant Anil Arora in Patiala. Arora and his spouse stand accused in connection with the guava orchard scam.
The intricate web of deceit spans numerous beneficiaries, encompassing nearly 200 acres of land. Investigations have revealed a complex network of forged documents and illicit transactions, allegedly masterminded by key players including Bhupinder Singh, a prominent property dealer.
The scandal, which first came to light in 2016, has prompted legal action under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Recent court proceedings have seen the submission of voluminous evidence, including thousands of pages of documentary records and testimonies from multiple witnesses.
The High Court’s intervention has led to directives for several accused beneficiaries to deposit substantial sums, with a significant portion already recovered. Allegations suggest that the deliberate choice of guava trees, known for their accelerated fruit-bearing capabilities, was instrumental in inflating compensation figures.
With investigations intensifying and legal proceedings underway, the full extent of the scam and the culpability of those involved continue to unfold, marking a crucial chapter in Punjab’s ongoing battle against financial malpractice and corruption.
