ED conducts fresh raids on Merlin Group, searches multiple locations in Kolkata
Times of India | 17 April 2026
KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches in connection with its ongoing money laundering probe into Kolkata-based real estate firm Merlin Group and its linked entities, officials said to news agency PTI.
The latest action comes as a follow-up to the raids conducted on April 8 at premises associated with the group, Merlin Projects Limited and its promoters, Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta.
According to officials, around 4–5 locations across Kolkata and North 24 Parganas district are being searched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Merlin Group had earlier said it was cooperating with the ED and maintained that all its transactions were transparent.
ED sources indicated that the probe is examining alleged financial links between the company and certain politicians and officials of the West Bengal government.
The agency suspects that the promoters and the company fabricated a “false” chain of title using forged documents, leading to allegations of land grabbing. It further alleged that the accused commercially exploited the land by launching large-scale real estate projects.
According to the ED, the accused projected themselves as lawful owners using forged documents and induced the public to invest substantial amounts in these projects.
The company, however, has defended its position, stating that the Merlin Niyasa project under scrutiny was developed under a valid agreement and executed in a lawful and transparent manner.
West Bengal is scheduled to go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29.