ED traces real estate agents’ links with Bangladeshi netas, babus

NEW DELHI: The education ministry on Wednesday raided seven buildings in Kolkata as part of its money laundering probe into real estate developer Merlin Group, finding that the builder has links with some senior politicians and bureaucrats in Bengal. “The role of these public servants and their financial dealings with real estate groups and their promoters are being scrutinized,” ED sources said. The action comes ahead of the WB polls, which are scheduled to take place on April 23 and April 29. Officials briefed on the investigation said the agency “seized a number of incriminating digital devices and documents from the builder’s premises, revealing his deep ties to state officials and politicians.” To further establish the money trail in the ongoing investigation, ED is probing Merlin Group promoters Sushil Mohta, Saket Mohta and other related entities. Sources said the agency is examining some forged documents to fraudulently encroach on various plots of land in Kolkata, including public lands. “The accused then commercially developed the land by embarking on large-scale real estate projects. They used forged documents to disguise themselves as the legitimate owners and lured the public into investing huge sums of money in their projects,” a senior official said.