New Delhi, Jan 21: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached two hotels—Hotel Trinetra Resorts and Hotel Green Orchid—valued at ₹14.93 crore in the scenic town of Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ED revealed that the two establishments were constructed in violation of the permissible area limits set by the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA). The attachment order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation is rooted in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR, which accused hotel owners, directors, and PDA officials of several violations. These include using residential buildings for commercial purposes, exceeding approved construction limits, and operating businesses in prohibited zones such as dense forests, agricultural land, and residential areas. The complaint further alleged that PDA officials overlooked these infractions.
The ED highlighted that both hotels undertook illegal constructions beyond the approved limits, encroached on land unlawfully, and generated revenue by exploiting these properties.
This move is part of a broader crackdown on financial irregularities and violations of land use regulations in Patnitop, a popular tourist destination. Investigations are ongoing, and further action is expected.
Recent Comments