CHANDIGARH, Sept. 24, 2026: Former Punjab Police officer and IPS officer Gurinder Dhillon has called for a comprehensive forensic audit of the real estate expansion in Punjab’s Chandigarh Peripheral Region (CPR-Pb), arguing that the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) should examine the entire chain of land and property transactions.
Dhillon, in a social-media post, said the investigation should not be restricted to individual transactions or isolated decisions but should trace the complete financial trail—from land acquisition and change of land use (CLU) to allotments, concessions, sale deeds and the actual money paid.
His remarks come as the ED has widened its investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving GMADA and the wider Mohali-New Chandigarh real estate sector. Recent reports say the agency has been examining records relating to land acquisition, CLU approvals, property allotments, auctions and concessions extended to private developers.
‘Examine every decision at GMADA, PUDA and local bodies’
Dhillon said investigators should examine decisions taken at GMADA, PUDA and local bodies, while also scrutinising the role of bureaucrats, builders and other participants in the property ecosystem.
He questioned how transactions should be understood when the actual market price of a property is substantially higher than the officially registered value.
In his example, if a property changes hands for ₹1 lakh per square yard, while the registered transaction reflects a considerably lower collector rate, Dhillon asked investigators to determine where the difference between the two figures goes, who receives it, whether a receipt is issued and whether the money enters the formal accounts.
‘Check computers, digital ledgers and bank accounts’
Dhillon advocated following the financial trail through multiple sources rather than relying solely on registered property documents.
He suggested examining builders’ computers, digital ledgers, bank accounts and buyers’ statements, with particular attention to transactions that could reveal discrepancies between declared and actual consideration.
“Follow the cash,” was the thrust of his argument.
The comments come against the backdrop of an expanded ED operation at GMADA. Reports published on Thursday said the agency had examined documents and electronic records at the authority and was investigating alleged irregularities involving land acquisition, CLU approvals, property transactions and financial concessions.
Probe extends beyond Mohali
According to reports, the ED’s scrutiny is not confined to a single project or location. Investigators are examining transactions and decisions covering areas including Mohali, New Chandigarh, Kharar, Kurali and Lalru, as well as land acquisition involving more than 5,000 acres.
The agency is also reported to be examining the role of private entities and consultants involved in land aggregation and development-related activities.
The investigation has also triggered a political confrontation, with the Punjab government and the Aam Aadmi Party questioning the manner and timing of the ED action. Those allegations remain political claims, while the ED has not publicly disclosed the complete findings of its investigation.
Questions over real estate accountability
Dhillon’s intervention places the focus on a broader question: how much money is actually changing hands in Punjab’s rapidly expanding real estate market, and how much of it is being reflected in official records?
A forensic audit, if undertaken, could potentially compare registered sale values with payment records, banking transactions, allotment files, CLU permissions, development approvals and other documentary evidence.
However, an investigation or search does not by itself establish wrongdoing. Any allegations involving officials, builders, developers or private individuals would need to be established through documentary evidence and due legal process.
Dhillon’s central argument is that the investigation should ultimately trace the complete chain of decisions and money flows, rather than stopping at individual files or property transactions.