New Delhi/ Noida/ Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided the residence of retired IAS of Uttar Pradesh cadres and former Noida Authority CEO, Mohinder Singh, in connection with a Rs 300 crore housing scam, in Chandigarh.
According to sources, gold jewellery worth Rs 7 crore, diamond worth Rs 12 crore and Rs one crore in cash along with many incriminating documents were recovered from the spot.
Singh was the CEO of Noida Authority for a long time and at that time there was a BSP government in Uttar Pradesh. His administrative hold was such that while being the CEO of Noida Authority, he also became the chairman of Noida, Greater Noida, Yamuna Authority. Singh's name came up for the first time in the scam when the case of Supertech and Amrapali scam came to light.
Accused of selling land for a pittance: It is alleged that when Singh was the CEO of Noida Authority, land worth crores of rupees was sold to builders for a pittance. Noida Authority used its veto and allotted land to builders by taking only 10 percent without any government order. Earlier, 30 percent money used to be taken. Supertech and Amrapali Group reportedly benefited the most in this. The 1978-batch IAS officer retired on July 31, 2012.
Strong hold in BSP government: Due to his alleged strong hold in the then BSP government, no action was taken against Singh at that time as whatever investigation was conducted, it was shelved. After the change of power in UP in 2017, CAG investigated the financial irregularities in the authority from 2005 to 2015. It was revealed that most of the financial scams took place during the tenure of Singh. At present, the investigation of this matter is going on.
Cost increased 10 times: The former IAS was also in the headlines during the construction of Dalit Prerna Sthal near Sector 16A of Noida. When the construction work of Dalit Prerna Sthal started, its budget was Rs 500 crore but by the time the construction work was completed, its budget increased 10 times and rose to Rs 5000 crore. Vigilance had also sent him a notice in this matter, but at that time he was abroad.
Former IAS's name also in Twin Tower Supertech project: It is alleged that from 2007 to 2010-11, land was allotted to Amrapali Builder in an illegal manner. Supertech was sold FAR for the Twin Tower in an illegal manner. It was allowed to build in the green belt. Taking advantage of this, Supertech built two skyscrapers named Cyan and Apex, which were demolished on August 28, 2022 following Supreme Court order. In this case, the Vigilance Department has registered a case against Singh. The investigation is going on.
ED action at former IAS's place: On Thursday, ED took a major action in a project related to a luxury flat construction company. A raid was conducted at the house of Singh in Mohali Sector 70 in Chandigarh. During the raid, diamonds worth Rs 12 crore and gold jewellery worth Rs 7 crore, Rs one crore in cash and many incriminating documents were recovered from his house, sources said. ED is investigating the matter.
During the last two days, ED raided 11 locations, including Delhi, Meerut and Noida, along with Chandigarh. An attempt was made to search properties of all people associated with the housing project.
ED had registered a case of money laundering in connection with the Rs 300 crore housing project scam. Sources said ED may summon the retired IAS soon in connection with the probe.
Many former officers of Noida Authority may be in trouble: Along with Singh, names of some other officers and builders of Noida Authority may also come up in this case, sources said. Many officers during Singh's tenure have already retired, but many are still working in the authority. In such a situation, if the purview of investigation increases, then the officers may come under the scanner, they added.
Till now, ED has raided the houses of Aditya Gupta and Ashish Gupta, both residents of Meerut and diamond jewellery worth crores of rupees was recovered there.
ED officials have not spoken to media persons in this matter.
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