The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently conducted searches related to a massive land scam involving Mohinder Singh, a former IAS officer and ex-CEO of the Noida Authority. The scandal, which amounts to a staggering Rs 9,000 crore, unfolded during the tenure of the Mayawati government and centers around illegal land allotments used for personal gain.
What Is the Scam About?
At the heart of the controversy is Noida Authority’s infamous 10% land allotment policy. Under this policy, land was allocated for development, but in this case, it is alleged that Singh helped several large real estate companies, including Amrapali and Supertech, acquire land at incredibly low prices. The fraudulent scheme resulted in significant financial loss to the state government, enriching real estate developers at the expense of the public.
ED’s Investigations and Seizures
In operations carried out across Noida, Delhi, and Chandigarh, authorities seized Rs 1 crore in cash, diamonds worth Rs 12 crore, and gold worth Rs 7 crore from premises linked to Singh. The ED is investigating not only these assets but also other properties—both domestic and international—connected to Singh. This ongoing probe is part of the broader effort to unravel the extent of the corruption.
A Deep Collusion Between Officials and Developers
A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India revealed how this scam took place between 2005 and 2018, uncovering significant collusion between Noida Authority officials and real estate developers. The report pointed out that during this period, many land plots were sold without a proper bidding process, allowing developers to secure prime land at extremely low prices.
Most notably, 80% of commercial plots were sold to just three firms: Wave Group, 3C Group, and Logix Group. Despite having large outstanding dues, these companies faced no consequences, highlighting the level of favoritism in the system.
Broader Impact and Need for Reform
This scandal has raised significant concerns about the internal workings of government institutions like the Noida Authority and the widespread corruption that can occur when officials collude with private entities. The case emphasizes the need for stricter regulatory measures and increased transparency to prevent such large-scale fraud in the future.
As investigations continue, the ED is working to uncover more assets connected to the scam and hold those responsible accountable. This case not only exposes corruption at a high level but also raises broader questions about the governance of land and real estate in India.
