Enforcement Directorate raids 7 locations of Merlin Group

The Enforcement Directorate conducted search operations at multiple locations linked to real estate firm Merlin Group and its promoters in Kolkata on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. Officials said the action was carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at around seven premises associated with the company and its key promoters.

According to investigators, the case involves allegations of creating a fraudulent chain of land ownership through forged documents. The agency suspects that the accused illegally occupied land and projected themselves as legitimate owners, subsequently using these properties for commercial purposes and launching large-scale real estate projects. Authorities believe that investors were encouraged to put in significant funds based on these allegedly fabricated claims of ownership.

The raids come amid heightened political activity in the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with polling scheduled later this month. No official statement has been issued by the company regarding the searches so far, while the investigation continues to examine financial transactions and ownership records linked to the case.