By The Sampadak Express
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a massive land scam worth over ₹1,000 crore in Goa, following raids conducted across multiple locations on April 24 and 25. The scam involves large-scale fraudulent transfers of prime land parcels located in high-demand tourist hotspots such as Anjuna, Arpora, and Assagao in Bardez Taluka.
According to a statement released by the ED on Friday evening, the key accused in the case is Rohan Harmalkar, who had contested the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly election as an Independent candidate from the Cumbharjua constituency.
The probe revealed a complex conspiracy involving impersonation, creation of fake documents, tampering with revenue records, and other fraudulent means used to unlawfully acquire land from rightful owners. The scam reportedly spans several lakhs of square meters and has caused significant financial and legal distress to numerous victims.
During the raids, the ED seized incriminating documents, including forged title deeds, with an estimated market value exceeding ₹1,000 crore. Of this, original documents relating to immovable properties worth more than ₹600 crore were recovered.
The ED further stated that the proceeds of the scam were laundered through a network of individuals and benami entities. These funds were then funneled into luxury assets including high-end real estate and vehicles.
The agency confirmed that the searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Ongoing investigations aim to trace the full money trail, identify additional beneficiaries, and determine the involvement of public officials in facilitating these illegal transactions.
