Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Kanwal Preet Brar, IAS (2007: Punjab), for questioning on August 18 in connection with its money laundering investigation linked to the Suntec City real estate project in Mohali district.
The agency is examining the regulatory approvals granted for the project, including the process through which land-use conversion permissions were obtained and whether the required statutory procedures were followed before development activities began.
The summons to Brar marks an expansion of the investigation into the administrative decisions and official records connected with the project.
However, the investigation is ongoing and no wrongdoing has been established against Kanwal Preet Brar.
What Is the Suntec City Case?
The ED investigation stems from allegations made by a group of landowners who claimed that their consent had been misrepresented during the land acquisition and development process.
A police investigation launched several years ago resulted in the registration of a criminal case involving allegations of forged documents and conspiracy.
Based on the underlying case, the ED subsequently initiated a money laundering investigation.
The agency conducted searches at several locations in Punjab earlier this year and later arrested a key promoter associated with the project. Several individuals connected with real estate companies involved in the development have also been questioned.
The investigation has now widened to include administrative decisions taken during the project’s approval process.
ED Examining Approval Process
According to people familiar with the investigation, the ED is examining records maintained by government departments dealing with urban development and housing.
Investigators are seeking to establish the sequence in which various approvals were granted and determine the procedures followed by officials while processing applications related to the project.
The agency has not publicly disclosed the specific grounds on which Brar has been called for questioning.
The questioning is expected to focus on the official records and administrative processes surrounding the approvals rather than constituting any finding of guilt against the officer.
Brar Says She Was Unaware of Notice
Brar reportedly told local media that she was unaware of any notice being served on her.
She said she had been away from the office for meetings on Friday and had not checked official communications.
She could not immediately be reached for further comment.
Who Is Kanwal Preet Brar?
Kanwal Preet Brar is a senior 2007-batch Punjab-cadre IAS officer who has held several important administrative positions in the Punjab government.
She is currently serving as Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, a position she assumed in January 2026.
Brar entered the IAS through promotion from the Punjab State Civil Service (SCS) and has held administrative responsibilities across sectors including health, rural development, NRI affairs, tourism, warehousing and district administration.
Education and Background
Kanwal Preet Brar was born on January 22, 1968. She holds an M.A. and M.Phil. in Economics.
Over her administrative career, she has served in several senior positions, including Secretary, Special Secretary, Managing Director, Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrator.
Key Career Postings of Kanwal Preet Brar
Some of her significant assignments include:
- Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab – assumed charge in January 2026.
- Special Secretary, NRI Affairs, Punjab – held the position for around two years and nine months.
- Managing Director, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation – handled the state-owned warehousing organisation.
- CEO, Punjab Heritage Tourism Board – held additional responsibilities connected with tourism and heritage.
- CEO/General Manager, Virasat-e-Khalsa – served in the administration of the heritage institution at Anandpur Sahib.
- Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib – handled district-level administration.
- Director, Rural Development and Panchayats – held additional charge in the department in 2024.
Her career has therefore included both field administration and senior-level policy and departmental responsibilities.
Current Role in Punjab Government
As Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Brar is currently associated with the state’s health administration and policy framework.
Her present posting comes as she faces questioning by the ED in relation to an investigation concerning decisions taken during the approval process of a major real estate development.
It is important to note that being summoned for questioning does not by itself establish criminal liability, and the ED investigation remains underway.
