Kolkata, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made significant strides in a money laundering case tied to a land scam in Kolkata. On September 15, the agency arrested Amit Ganguly, the director of Ganguly Home Search Private Limited, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Following his arrest, Ganguly was presented before a special court in Kolkata on September 16. The court granted the ED a four-day custody for further investigation.
This inquiry was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed by the West Bengal police. These FIRs are linked to scheduled offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 120B, 419, 420, 423, 467, and 471.
Investigations revealed that Amit Ganguly, in collaboration with associates and various entities, engaged in fraudulent activities to illegally acquire valuable real estate from individuals and organizations. He would take possession of these properties and transfer them unlawfully. The investigation further uncovered that Ganguly used forged documents, including fake sale deeds, agreements, powers of attorney, gift deeds, board resolutions, and others, to falsely assert ownership over properties. Manipulation of land and municipal records was also conducted to disrupt the rightful owners’ possession and claims.
According to the ED, Ganguly would obtain development rights on properties by entering joint ventures with landowners but deliberately denied them their legal entitlements. By manipulating documents, he would falsely claim ownership of these properties. The proceeds from these criminal activities are classified as “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.
Officials noted that there are approximately 23 FIRs filed against Ganguly, indicating a pattern of fraud involving numerous investors and landowners.
Earlier, on March 28, the ED conducted raids at Ganguly’s premises, seizing incriminating documents, digital devices, and other records. Analyzing the seized materials revealed his influence over various local officials and employees in matters related to real estate projects and other properties.
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