Kolkata, April 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches in Kolkata as part of its investigation into a money laundering case linked to the Merlin Group. This operation falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is focused on alleged fraud and the use of false documents in the Merlin Group’s projects.
ED teams have raided seven locations in Kolkata and its surrounding areas, targeting properties associated with individuals and companies linked to the Merlin Group. The primary focus is on the ‘Merlin Niyasa’ project in the Anandapur area, valued at approximately ₹600 crores.
Allegations suggest that a fraudulent chain of land ownership was created, utilizing fake documents, which has reportedly harmed public investments.
During the searches, ED officials targeted the residences of Sushil Kumar Dhandhania and Vijay Kumar Dhandhania, located at 4 Middleton Street, Kolkata, West Bengal, PIN 700071. Additionally, a search was conducted at the office of D.C. Paul Group Construction Private Limited, located at AC 17, Salt Lake City, Sector-1, Kolkata, PIN 700064.
The ED also executed a search operation at the residence of the company’s director, Kamalini Paul, at CF 88, Sector-1, Salt Lake, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, PIN 700064. Furthermore, the former director, Shanti Ranjan Paul, was also targeted, with a raid at Block CK-116, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, PIN 700091.
Investigators claim that certain individuals prepared a Joint Development Agreement using false documents and incorrect board resolutions, facilitating illegal land acquisition by the Merlin Group. A petition had previously been filed in court seeking to annul the agreement based on these fraudulent documents.
The ED is now examining documents, digital devices, and other evidence obtained from these locations, aiming to uncover the entire chain of money laundering. Serious allegations have also been made against the promoters of the Merlin Group, though they have yet to provide an official response.
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