Panchkula, July 8 -- A local court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of Gaganpreet Singh, 27, an accused in the alleged illegal sale of 17.55 acres of Pearl Group land worth Rs.7.87 crore, holding that the case involves a serious economic offence requiring a thorough and unhindered investigation.

The case pertains to an FIR registered by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Panchkula, on June 2, under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the prosecution, the land belonged to the Pearl Group (PGF/PACL) and had been attached under directions of the Supreme Court to facilitate refunds to thousands of investors. Restraint orders prohibiting the sale or...