Patnitop, Jan 21, KNT: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized two hotels worth approximately ₹15 crore in the tourist town of Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of a money laundering probe.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the federal agency identified the properties as Hotel Trinetra Resorts and Hotel Green Orchid. Both establishments were constructed “beyond” the permissible area set by the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA).
The hotels, valued at ₹14.93 crore, were provisionally attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The money laundering investigation originated from an FIR registered by the CBI against several hotel, guesthouse, resort, cottage, and residence owners in the Patnitop area, along with PDA officials.
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The CBI alleged that these establishments engaged in the commercial use of residential properties, exceeded approved construction limits, and operated in prohibited zones such as dense forests, agricultural lands, and residential areas. These violations were reportedly “overlooked” by PDA officials.
According to the ED, both Hotel Trinetra Resorts and Hotel Green Orchid engaged in illegal construction beyond sanctioned limits, encroached on land unlawfully, and generated revenue from the illicit use of such properties. [KNT]
