ED arrests deputy mamlatdar in suspected multi-crore land scam in Surendranagar

Amid suspicion of a multi-crore land scam in Surendranagar district in Gujarat, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out a major crackdown, culminating in the official arrest of deputy mamlatdar Chandrasingh Mori after prolonged questioning and search operations.

The ED is set to produce him before a special court at the Ahmedabad Rural Court on Thursday and seek a 14-day remand for further investigation.

ED teams from Maharashtra, Delhi and Bengaluru descended on Surendranagar early Tuesday morning, conducting searches at multiple locations.

Premises linked to Surendranagar District Collector Rajendra Patel, deputy mamlatdar Chandrasingh Mori (now arrested), NA branch clerk Mayursingh Gohil, collector’s PA Jayrajsingh Jadeja (residence in Lakhtar) and advocate D Chetan Kanzariya were raided as part of the operation.

According to sources, the ED received complaints alleging large-scale irregularities in land acquisition and conversion of land for non-agricultural (NA) purposes. As part of the probe, the agency has undertaken a detailed scrutiny of documents. 

Notably, during the investigation, ED officials also summoned ACB officers and a jeweller, indicating possible large transactions involving cash or assets.

NA branch dismantled just days before raids

Just three days before the ED raids, cCollector Rajendra Patel had abruptly dismantled the NA branch. Deputy mamlatdar Chandrasingh Mori and clerk Mayursingh Gohil were transferred with immediate effect, raising questions about prior knowledge of the impending action.