17 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Punjab-cadre IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar for questioning in connection with its money-laundering probe into alleged irregularities in Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions for the Suntec City project in Mohali.
Officer to Appear Before ED
Brar has been asked to appear before the ED on August 18. She served as Director, Town and Country Planning, in 2024, when the CLU permissions for the project were processed and re-issued.
The agency is reportedly seeking details about the verification of landowners’ consent documents and the procedures followed before the permissions were granted.
What Is the Suntec City Case?
The investigation centres on allegations that forged consent letters, signatures and thumb impressions of 15 landowners were used to obtain CLU approval for around 30.5 acres connected to the Suntec City project.
The project, promoted by the Indian Co-operative House Building Society, originally received CLU approval in 2016, which was re-issued in 2024.
ED Probe Widens
The ED has expanded its investigation to the functioning of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the Punjab Housing Department.
Several officials have already been questioned, while investigators have sought records of CLU permissions granted to Suntec City and other projects.
Promoter Faces Money-Laundering Case
In July, the ED filed a prosecution complaint against Ajay Sehgal, secretary of the Indian Co-operative House Building Society and promoter of Suntec City, alleging money laundering involving nearly ₹348 crore. Sehgal was arrested in May.
The investigation originated from a 2022 Punjab Police FIR following complaints by landowners.
What Happens Next?
Brar’s questioning is expected to focus on how the CLU applications were processed and whether adequate checks were carried out to establish the authenticity of landowners’ consent.
Importantly, being summoned by the ED does not by itself establish wrongdoing. The allegations and the role of individual officials remain subject to investigation and due process.