Major Goa Land Scam Worth Rs 1,000 Crore Uncovered by ED in High-Profile Investigation

The Story of Deception: Goa's 1,000 Crore Land Scam

In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a sprawling land scam worth a staggering Rs 1,000 crore in Goa. The investigation, which spanned over several days, targeted fraudulent land transfers involving prime properties in the state’s well-known tourist hotspots.

The Web of Fraudulent Transfers

The scam, which came to light after extensive intelligence gathering and financial analysis, is centered around the illegal appropriation of land originally owned by individuals and family estates. These land parcels were fraudulently sold without the owners' consent, leaving the victims grappling with severe financial and legal consequences.

According to the ED, the mastermind behind the operations is Rohan Harmalkar, who, alongside his associates, orchestrated a series of fraudulent land transactions through a mix of illegal practices, including impersonation, fake documents, and tampered revenue records. Harmalkar, who had previously contested the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly elections as an Independent from the Cumbharjua constituency, stands at the heart of this massive conspiracy.

The ED's Operations: A Detailed Uncovering

The ED’s investigation, which led to raids on multiple locations across Goa, revealed shocking findings. The operation was carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and the results were staggering: forged title deeds and fake property documents were discovered, exposing the extent of manipulation in land records. These properties, spread across several lakhs of square meters in Goa's coveted tourist areas such as Anjuna, Arpora, and Asagoan in Bardez Taluka, were wrongfully transferred to illicit owners.

During the search, the ED seized original documents of immovable properties valued at over Rs 600 crore. These documents pointed to a web of money laundering activities, with the proceeds funneled into high-end real estate, luxury vehicles, and other valuable assets. The complex trail of illegal transactions further led investigators to various individuals and benami entities, raising questions about the involvement of government officials and other key players in the scandal.

The Investigation: A Deeper Dive

The ED's focus is now on tracing the money trail, identifying other beneficiaries of this scam, and unearthing the full extent of government and private sector involvement. With more searches expected, the ED is determined to hold all those accountable for their role in this illegal land deal.

This ongoing investigation highlights the vulnerabilities in Goa’s land management systems and the dangers posed by fraudulent entities exploiting these weaknesses.