New Delhi, Jan 21: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached two prominent hotels in the scenic town of Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of an ongoing money laundering probe. The attached properties—Hotel Trinetra Resorts and Hotel Green Orchid—are collectively valued at approximately ₹14.93 crore.
According to an official statement issued by the ED on Tuesday, the hotels were constructed in violation of regulations set by the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA). The action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a provisional order issued by the federal agency.
The money laundering case originates from an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against various hotel owners, resort directors, and officials of the PDA. The complaint alleges large-scale irregularities, including illegal commercial use of residential buildings, unauthorized construction exceeding approved limits, and operation of businesses in restricted areas, such as dense forests and agricultural zones.
The ED’s investigation revealed that both Hotel Trinetra Resorts and Hotel Green Orchid had undertaken illegal expansions beyond the approved area limits and encroached upon government land. These violations not only flouted zoning and environmental regulations but also generated substantial revenue for the proprietors through unauthorized activities.
The ED’s statement emphasized that these alleged violations were overlooked by officials of the PDA, raising questions about potential collusion and negligence. The attachment of the properties is a significant step in the investigation, aimed at curbing the financial benefits derived from illegal operations.
The crackdown has drawn attention to the broader issue of unregulated construction and unauthorized commercial activity in the Patnitop region, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty. The ED is expected to continue its probe, and further action against those implicated in the case is anticipated.
Local residents and environmental groups have welcomed the action, citing long-standing concerns over unchecked construction and its adverse impact on the region’s ecology. Meanwhile, authorities are reviewing additional cases linked to the alleged misuse of residential and agricultural zones for commercial purposes.
Further developments in the investigation are awaited as officials intensify efforts to bring those responsible to justice.