ED Presses Punjab Police for FIR Against Nitin Gohil, Sends Fresh Electronic Evidence

Chandigarh, September 2, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has for the third time asked the Punjab Police to register an FIR against Nitin Gohil and others in an alleged money-laundering-related case, stepping up pressure ahead of the next hearing of the matter in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In its latest communication dated August 31, the ED also supplied additional electronic material, including clearer copies of chats and screenshots, certified electronic records and a statement recorded during its investigation.

Third Letter to Punjab Police

The ED’s latest letter was addressed to the AIG (Investigation), Punjab Bureau of Investigation, in response to a Punjab Police communication dated August 28.

The agency had previously written to the Punjab DGP on July 30 and August 7, seeking registration of an FIR on information shared under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ED Rejects Need for Further Pre-FIR Verification

Punjab Police had asked the ED to provide complete records, including original electronic data, chain-of-custody documentation and statements, and had sought the deputation of an authorised ED officer.

The ED has argued that the material it shared had already been examined, investigated and assessed before being forwarded to Punjab Police and that additional authentication should not become a precondition for registering an FIR where the information indicates a cognisable offence.

Additional Chats, Screenshots and Certified Records

The latest communication goes beyond the earlier correspondence.

The ED has supplemented its material with legible copies of chats, screenshots and other electronic records, along with the required certificate under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

It has also forwarded a statement recorded during its PMLA investigation involving Gohil.

ED Cites Supreme Court Rulings

The agency has relied on two major Supreme Court judgments in support of its position.

It cited Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, which established principles concerning registration of an FIR when information discloses a cognisable offence.

The ED also referred to Vijay Madanlal Choudhary and Others, arguing that Section 66(2) of the PMLA operates as a mechanism for sharing information with another agency for necessary action.

High Court Hearing on September 3

The issue is already being examined by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in CWP-PIL-238-2026, concerning allegations of corruption and the demand for an independent investigation.

The court has sought the Punjab government's response on the action taken after receiving the ED's communications. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on September 3, 2026.

The ED has specifically urged Punjab Police to register the FIR before the next hearing.

What Are the Allegations?

The allegations concern an alleged network involving influence over government transfers, postings and related official matters.

These allegations remain unproven, and any criminal liability will depend on investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings.

Why the Third Letter Matters

The latest development increases pressure on Punjab Police because the ED has now:

First: sent its information on July 30.
Second: followed up on August 7.
Third: submitted additional electronic material on August 31 while again demanding immediate FIR registration.

The ED has also warned that delay could create a risk of evidence being destroyed or tampered with, making urgent action necessary.

Political Reaction

The dispute has also become a political issue in Punjab.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has questioned why no FIR has yet been registered despite three communications from the ED and the submission of additional evidence.

The political allegations, however, are separate from the criminal investigation, and the claims against individuals named in the matter have not been established by a court.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus is now on Punjab Police's response and the position the state government presents before the Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 3.

The ED wants the FIR registered without further delay, while Punjab Police had sought additional records before proceeding.

The High Court hearing could provide greater clarity on the steps taken by the state authorities and the next stage of the investigation.

Key Highlights
ED has sent its third letter to Punjab Police seeking an FIR against Nitin Gohil and others.
Earlier communications were sent on July 30 and August 7.
The latest letter is dated August 31, 2026.
ED supplied additional chats, screenshots and certified electronic records.
Punjab Police had sought original electronic data, chain-of-custody records and an authorised ED officer.
ED says such requirements should not delay FIR registration where a cognisable offence is disclosed.
The matter is before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026.
The allegations concerning transfers and postings remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.