NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a shocking revelation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has unearthed a massive Rs 1,000 crore land scam in Goa, exposing a network of fraudulent property transfers in some of the state’s most prized tourist hotspots. The case, led by financial intelligence and months of investigation, has stunned locals and investors alike, painting a grim picture of how paradise was systematically stolen through deceit.
ED’s Operation: A Major Breakthrough
The ED confirmed that it conducted intensive search operations across multiple locations in Goa on April 24 and 25, 2025. Acting on credible intelligence inputs and a detailed financial investigation, the agency discovered a wide-ranging conspiracy masterminded by Rohan Harmalkar, a former Independent candidate from the Cumbharjua constituency in the 2022 Goa Assembly elections.
“The case involves a massive misuse of land ownership rights, primarily targeting family-owned estates and individual property holders,” a senior ED official said.
Key Facts: Rs 1,000 Crore Goa Land Scam
| S. No. | Details | Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Investigating Agency | Enforcement Directorate (ED) |
| 2. | Scam Value | Over ₹1,000 crore |
| 3. | Locations Affected | Anjuna, Arpora, Assagao (Bardez Taluka, Goa) |
| 4. | Mastermind Identified | Rohan Harmalkar |
| 5. | Action Dates | April 24-25, 2025 |
| 6. | Type of Crime | Fraudulent land transfers, document forgery, impersonation |
| 7. | Value of Assets Seized | Properties worth more than ₹600 crore |
| 8. | Methods Used | Fake documents, tampered revenue records, benami transactions |
| 9. | Properties Targeted | High-value tourist hotspot lands, family-owned estates |
| 10. | Laws Invoked | Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) |
Fraudulent Methods: How the Land Was Stolen
The agency revealed that Harmalkar and his associates used a series of criminal techniques to illegally appropriate land:
- Impersonation of Owners: Fake identities were used to pose as original landowners.
- Forged Documents: Fabricated title deeds and revenue records were created.
- Tampering with Official Records: Revenue records were manipulated to erase the real owners’ rights.
According to the ED, prime locations like Anjuna, Arpora, and Assagao in Bardez Taluka—known for their booming tourism and escalating land values—were the primary targets.
Assets Seized: Massive Haul Uncovered
During the raids, the ED seized:
- Original Property Documents valued at over ₹600 crore
- Forged Deeds and Revenue Records
- Evidence of multiple benami transactions.
“These properties, spanning several lakhs of square meters, had been fraudulently transferred without the consent of rightful owners, causing devastating financial and emotional distress,” the ED’s official statement said.
Money Trail: Laundering into Luxury
The investigation revealed that the ill-gotten wealth was laundered through a complex network involving:
- Benami Entities
- High-End Real Estate
- Luxury Vehicles
- Other High-Value Assets
The ED emphasized that the fraud not only stripped rightful owners of their properties but also injected illicit funds into Goa’s luxury economy, distorting the market.
Government Officials Under Scanner
In a significant development, the ED disclosed that the probe is expanding to investigate the role of government officials who may have aided in the fraudulent property registration processes.
“Further investigation is ongoing to trace the money trail, identify other beneficiaries, and pinpoint the role of officials involved in facilitating these illegal transactions,” the ED statement added.
Sources suggest that administrative complicity at multiple levels is now under intense scrutiny.
Goa’s Real Estate at Risk: A Wake-Up Call
This scam is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities plaguing Goa’s booming real estate market, especially in tourist-driven regions. Experts say this case could trigger tighter land ownership verification norms and reforms in property record maintenance across the state.
(India CSR)
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