In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended Vikrant Shetty and Rajkumar Maithi on February 15, 2024, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The arrests are linked to the investigation into land-grabbing cases in the scenic state of Goa.
The ED initiated its probe based on multiple FIRs registered by the Goa Police against Vikrant Shetty, Mohammed Suhail, Rajkumar Maithi, and other individuals implicated in the illegal acquisition of immovable properties across Goa. Additionally, the Goa government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the matter, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
During its investigation, the ED unearthed a web of deceit, revealing how the accused individuals unlawfully acquired properties either in their names or in the names of their associates and relatives. These individuals manipulated land records with forged documents, falsely asserting ownership through fabricated ancestral claims. Following this, they proceeded to sell some of these properties to purchasers from both Goa and other states.
A Provisional Attachment order was previously issued, attaching 31 properties valued at Rs. 39.24 Crores, as part of the ongoing investigation. Vikrant Shetty and Rajkumar Maithi, along with their associates, played pivotal roles in fabricating land records and orchestrating the illegal acquisition of extensive land parcels across Goa.
The arrests mark a significant step forward in combating land grabbing and associated money laundering activities in the state. As the investigation progresses, the ED remains committed to uncovering the truth and holding all responsible parties accountable for their actions.
