ED traces realtor's links to netas, babus in Bengal

NEW DELHI: During a search in Kolkata at seven premises on Wednesday in an ongoing money laundering probe against Merlin group, a real estate developer, the ED has found the builder having associations with some senior politicians and bureaucrats from Bengal.

"The role of these public servants and their financial transactions with the real estate group and its promoters are under scrutiny," sources in ED said. The action comes ahead of polls in WB, with voting scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

Officials aware of the probe said the agency has seized some "incriminating digital devices and documents from the builder's premises that reveal his deep nexus with state officials and politicians".

To further establish a money trail in its ongoing investigation, ED is examining Merlin group promoter Sushil Mohta, Saket Mohta and other related entities. Sources said the agency is examining some documents which were fabricated to fraudulently grab various parcels of land in Kolkata, including public land too.

"Subsequently, the accused people commercially exploited the land by launching large-scale real estate projects. By projecting themselves as lawful owners on the strength of forged documents, they have induced the public to invest substantial sums in their projects," a senior official said.