ED raids on Merlin continue, political links under scanner
The Statesman | 11 April 2026
As the Enforcement Directorate continued its raids on Merlin group chairman Sushil Mohta’s office and home and that of his son Saket Mohta today, officials close to the investigation told The Statesman that documents and digital devices including mobile phones had been seized from the company and its officials, and that questionable links to politicians and bureaucrats were under the scanner.
The ED’s Kolkata Zonal Office, which is conducting the searches at seven locations including other Merlin offices and homes of its officers, is investigating allegations that the Mohtas forged and fabricated documents to unlawfully acquire land which was subsequently developed for large-scale real estate projects.
According to a senior ED official, who requested anonymity, the investigation indicates that Sushil Mohta (photo), Saket Mohta and others created false documentation to secure ownership of multiple land parcels.
These properties were allegedly commercially exploited through major real estate developments, with investors persuaded to contribute funds on the strength of documents presented as legitimate proof of title.
The official said that the investigation so far has indicated links between the Merlin Group and senior political leaders as well as officials of the state government.
“Their role and financial transactions with the group and its promoters are currently under scrutiny,” he added.
While the investigation was taken up on the complaint of Mohan Chandra Mondal, a resident of Anandapur, in respect of a 3.63-acre land parcel in Anandapur where the Merlin Niyasa project is being promoted, the searches, it is learnt, have disclosed details of other suspicious transactions by the group, which are now being probed.
Mondal, who had moved an Alipore court for registration of an FIR and obtained an order for institution of a criminal case against the Mohtas and others, had because of subsequent police inaction also moved the Calcutta High Court, and impleaded the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate in his writ.
The matter came up before Justice Saugata Bhattacharya last month and is pending adjudication.
Senior ED officials said the pendency of the case, and a prayer for a writ of mandamus, was also a factor behind the raids conducted on the Mohtas.