The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently conducted searches at seven premises linked to the Kolkata-based real estate firm, Merlin Group, and its promoters as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation.According to the ED’s investigation, promoters Sushil Mohta, Saket Mohta and other related entities allegedly forged documents and fraudulently grabbed various parcels of land, including public land. They subsequently exploited the land by launching large-scale real estate projects.By fraudulently projecting themselves as lawful owners, they induced the public to invest substantial sums of money in their projects, revealed the ED probe.ED sources said that the investigation further revealed association of the Merlin Group with senior political leaders and public officials of the state government. Their role and transactions with the Merlin Group and its promoters are under scrutiny, they added.According to the agency sources, searches on Wednesday were aimed at gathering evidence related to the alleged financial and property irregularities. Various incriminating digital devices and documents were also seized from the premises, while further investigation is underway.