Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted searches at a residential complex near Kharar in Punjab’s Mohali district, where two bags believed to contain cash were allegedly hurled from a ninth-floor flat during the operation, officials said. 

According to investigators, the raid took place at the Western Towers residence of IT professional Nitin Gohal. During the search, two bags filled with bundles of currency were reportedly thrown into the building premises.

Morning walkers later spotted currency notes scattered around the compound and alerted authorities. ED personnel subsequently seized the bags and continued the search.

12 locations searched across Mohali, Chandigarh and Patiala

Officials said the operation covered 12 locations in Mohali and Chandigarh, including premises linked to property developers and housing firms as well as Gohal himself.

Gohal is accused of involvement in fraudulent procurement of change-of-land-use (CLU) licences from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and of cheating potential buyers.

ED sources said searches were also carried out at the office of Suntec City, owned by Ajay Sehgal, along with ABS Townships Private Limited, Altus Builders and Dhir Constructions. Additional raids took place in Chandigarh’s Sector 16 and at several sites in Patiala.

Search teams also reached the Mohali residence of Bir Devinder Singh, who is considered close to a functionary of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Driver caught after attempt to flee with cash

A spokesperson for the Punjab government said the ED raided the home of an IT employee when the incident occurred.

“Seeing the team approaching, someone threw a bag full of cash from the ninth floor of the residential tower, which a driver already standing below picked up,” the spokesperson said.

Officials noticed the act, chased the individual and detained him, recovering nearly ₹2.1 million in cash.

State denies link to Chief Minister’s office

While some reports suggested that Gohal was close to an aide of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state government dismissed the claim.

“It is incorrect to describe him as anyone’s aide,” the spokesperson said, adding that the matter remains under investigation and officials have not made further public comments. (IANS)