In a dramatic late-night operation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker in connection with a massive ₹1,500 crore money laundering case. The arrest took place at the Grappa Bar of the Shangri-La Hotel in New Delhi on May 4, 2025, bringing to light a complex web of alleged fraudulent activities involving real estate dealings that defrauded over 1,500 homebuyers.
Acting on a tip-off, ED officials located Chhoker at the hotel just before 9 PM. Upon confrontation, Chhoker attempted to flee, leading to a physical altercation with the officials. Despite his resistance, he was apprehended and taken into custody. This operation was part of the ED’s broader initiative dubbed ‘Dhappa’, aimed at capturing the absconding ex-MLA.
The allegations against Chhoker and his sons, Vikas and Sikandar, revolve around their real estate firm, Mahira Group. The company is accused of collecting substantial funds from homebuyers for housing projects in Gurugram but failing to deliver the promised units. Investigations revealed that the funds were siphoned off through inflated construction costs and fake invoices, leading to significant financial losses for the investors.
According to ED officials, Chhoker and his associates had amassed over ₹616 crore from investors but did not fulfill their obligations. The agency had been pursuing Chhoker and his family for months, issuing multiple non-bailable warrants and eventually declaring them proclaimed offenders. They had also attached assets worth ₹44 crore linked to Chhoker and his family, including properties and bank accounts.
The ED's investigation into Chhoker's activities is based on a complaint filed by the Gurugram Police against Sai Aaina Farms, a company associated with him. The agency had previously attached assets worth ₹44.55 crore, which included agricultural land, commercial plots, and residential flats located across Delhi, Faridabad, and Panipat. Fixed and bank deposits worth ₹96 lakh were also included in these attachments.
Chhoker's arrest is significant not just for the legal implications it carries but also for its political ramifications. As a close aide of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the scandal has raised questions about the Congress party's oversight of its members, particularly in light of ongoing allegations of corruption.
In March 2025, the ED had issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and attached properties linked to Chhoker and his family. The investigation has revealed a troubling pattern of deceit, with Chhoker allegedly diverting funds meant for housing projects to personal accounts, thereby enriching himself at the expense of vulnerable homebuyers.
Chhoker, who previously represented the Samalkha Assembly seat in Haryana's Panipat district, lost his bid for re-election in 2024. His son, Sikandar, was arrested by the ED last year and is currently out on bail, while Vikas remains at large. The ED has issued multiple non-bailable warrants against both sons, further complicating the family's legal troubles.
The enforcement agency's operation to apprehend Chhoker unfolded like a scene from a thriller, with officials racing against time to catch him before he could escape. Joint Director Navaneet Agrawal of the ED’s Gurugram zone received the tip-off about Chhoker's whereabouts and arrived at the hotel within half an hour. Upon confirming Chhoker's presence, he informed him about the warrants issued against him. It was at this point that the situation escalated, leading to a tense chase and physical confrontation.
During the scuffle, Chhoker allegedly assaulted both ED officers and hotel staff in an attempt to evade arrest. However, despite the chaos, Agrawal managed to subdue and detain him. Chhoker reportedly made several attempts to escape while being transported to the ED office, but his efforts were thwarted.
The ED's actions against Chhoker are part of a broader crackdown on financial frauds involving public figures. The agency's commitment to pursuing individuals involved in such activities underscores the need for stringent regulatory oversight in the real estate sector to protect consumers from fraudulent practices.
As the investigation continues, further legal actions are anticipated against other individuals involved in the scam. Chhoker's arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ED's efforts to address corruption within the real estate sector, and it remains to be seen how this case will unfold in the coming weeks.
In light of these developments, the public and political analysts are closely monitoring the situation, particularly the implications it holds for the Congress party in Haryana and its leadership. With the potential for more arrests and revelations, the case is likely to remain in the spotlight for some time.
