The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 19 properties, worth crores of rupees, in Anjuna and Assagao, Goa, in connection with an ongoing land grab case. On Thursday, the ED provisionally attached the properties under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), marking a significant move in tackling illegal land transactions and money laundering activities in the region.
Of the 19 seized properties, 11 are located in Anjuna, while the remaining 8 are in Assagao. The provisional attachment was carried out under Sub-section (1) of Section 5 of the PMLA, which enables the ED to seize properties involved in money laundering. The order was confirmed by the adjudicating authority as per Section 6 of the PMLA. The properties, now in the custody of the ED, will remain at the agency’s disposal until further proceedings are completed. As part of the attachment process, the ED has prohibited any transfer, sale, or mortgage of these properties. All individuals are restrained from transferring or acquiring any interest in the seized properties in any manner—whether by sale, gift, mortgage, or otherwise.
I N Asha, Deputy Director of the ED, emphasized that anyone occupying the seized premises must vacate them within 10 days of receiving the notice, as per Rule 5(2) of the PMLA. The agency also instructed that any rent or lease income generated from these properties be deposited directly into the ED’s office under Rule 5(3). The action taken by the ED is part of its efforts to curb illegal land grabs and money laundering activities in Goa, particularly in high-value areas like Anjuna and Assagao. These areas have been the subject of controversy regarding land acquisition, with numerous reports of unauthorized or illicit land transactions. The ED’s intervention in this case highlights the ongoing crackdown on money laundering and the use of illicit properties for illegal purposes. Authorities have warned that further actions will be taken as investigations continue, ensuring that such practices are halted and property rights are protected in the state.
