Overview
- Enforcement Directorate officers searched seven Merlin Group–linked sites in Kolkata on Wednesday under India’s anti–money laundering law and seized documents and digital devices.
- Investigators say promoters Sushil and Saket Mohta used a false chain of title to claim land, including a 3.63-acre parcel in Anandapur tied to the Merlin Niyasa project, then raised money by presenting themselves as lawful owners.
- ED sources say the probe now examines financial links to state politicians and officials, and related searches last week recovered about ₹1.2 crore in cash and a firearm from associates as investigators also look at possible overseas fund transfers.
- A court-directed FIR filed in January by complainant Mohan Chandra Mondal alleges forged judicial records, including a purported 1959 compromise decree that officials say does not exist, were used before authorities to justify construction.
- Merlin says it is cooperating and maintains its deals and titles are lawful, while the agency reviews the seized data for possible follow-on actions such as more searches or asset attachment.