The teams of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today conducted raids at several locations in Chandigarh and in about 8 districts of Punjab including the residences of two IAS officers. These searches begin in the morning at about 7 am simultaneously.
The ED raided the Chandigarh residence of Punjab senior IAS Varun Roojam, presently holding the post of State Excise and Taxation Commissioner. The ED teams also raided the residence of Firozpur Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Dhiman IAS and his accountant in Patiala town. The accountant and his wife are accused in the scam which is also under investigation by the Punjab State Vigilance Bureau.
The guava scam, unearthed last year, pertains to the embezzlement of 137 crore rupees in land compensation. The fruit trees were planted on land which was to be acquired by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). The scam was done to get a higher compensation for the land. The Vigilance Bureau has already arrested many people, including beneficiaries and public servants in this matter. The ED has not given any official statement in this regard so far.
