In Panaji, the Enforcement Directorate’s zonal office has filed a prosecution complaint against 36 individuals involved in an alleged illegal land grabbing case in Goa. The complaint was submitted to the Special Court (PMLA) in Mapusa on April 12, and the court took cognizance on May 13.
This action, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002, targets those accused of illegal land acquisition and money laundering. The ED’s investigation began following multiple FIRs lodged at various police stations across Goa.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) dedicated to investigating land grabbing was formed by the Goa Police. This team is currently handling 41 cases related to illegal land acquisition in the state.
The ED’s probe uncovered that the accused created forged and fabricated documents under their own names and those of their associates to illegally acquire several properties. They subsequently sold some of these properties, generating proceeds of crime.
Previously, on November 23, 2023, the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO), attaching 31 properties valued at approximately Rs. 535 crore. The agency also attached properties suspected to be acquired through illicit means, even without formal complaints or FIRs.
The crackdown led to the arrest of Rajkumar Maithi and Vikrant Shetty, who are currently in judicial custody. Further investigation in the case is ongoing.
