Who Is IAS Kanwal Preet Brar? Punjab Health Secretary Summoned by ED in Suntec City Money Laundering Probe
Punjab IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar, a 2007-batch officer promoted from the State Civil Service, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in the Suntec City money laundering probe. Here’s her career, key postings and the latest developments.
ED Summons Punjab IAS Officer Kanwal Preet Brar as Suntec City Investigation Expands
Senior Punjab-cadre IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar, a 2007-batch officer, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on August 18 as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the Suntec City real estate project in Mohali district.
The development marks a new phase in the agency’s probe, which has gradually expanded from alleged irregularities in land acquisition and development to examining the administrative approval process followed by government departments during the project’s execution.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the ED is scrutinising official records related to land-use conversion permissions, regulatory clearances and statutory procedures connected with the project. At this stage, however, no wrongdoing has been established against Kanwal Preet Brar, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The senior bureaucrat, who currently serves as Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, has built a career spanning district administration, rural development, tourism, warehousing, NRI affairs and health governance.
What Is the Suntec City Investigation About?
The ED’s money laundering probe originates from allegations raised by a group of landowners regarding the development of the Suntec City project in Mohali. The complainants alleged that their consent had been misrepresented during the land acquisition and development process, leading to the registration of a criminal case several years ago involving allegations of forgery and criminal conspiracy.
Based on that predicate offence, the Enforcement Directorate initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to examine whether proceeds of crime were generated through the alleged irregularities.
Over the course of the investigation, the agency has conducted searches at multiple locations across Punjab, questioned several individuals associated with the real estate companies involved in the project and arrested a key promoter linked to the development. The latest summons indicates that investigators are now examining administrative decisions connected to the project’s approval process.
ED Examining Government Approval Process
Investigators are reportedly reviewing records maintained by departments responsible for urban development and housing to reconstruct how various permissions were granted.
The agency is seeking to establish the sequence in which approvals were processed, whether statutory requirements were followed during land-use conversion and how official files moved through the administrative system before development activities commenced.
Importantly, the ED has not publicly disclosed the specific grounds on which Kanwal Preet Brar has been summoned. Officials indicate that the questioning is expected to focus on administrative records and procedural aspects rather than constituting any finding of criminal liability against the officer.
Brar Says She Was Unaware of the Notice
Following reports about the ED summons, Kanwal Preet Brar reportedly told local media that she was unaware of any notice having been served on her. According to her statement, she had been away from the office attending meetings on Friday and had not checked official communications. She did not immediately offer further comments regarding the matter.
Who Is IAS Kanwal Preet Brar?
Kanwal Preet Brar is a 2007-batch Punjab-cadre IAS officer who entered the Indian Administrative Service through promotion from the Punjab State Civil Service (SCS). Unlike direct-recruit IAS officers who enter through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SCS officers join the IAS after years of administrative service within the state, bringing extensive field and departmental experience into the higher civil service.
Over the years, Brar has served across multiple sectors, combining district administration with senior-level policy and departmental leadership. She currently holds one of Punjab’s most important administrative assignments as Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, a position she assumed in January 2026.
Educational Background
Born on January 22, 1968, Kanwal Preet Brar has an academic background in economics. She holds:
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics
- Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Economics
Her educational foundation has complemented a long administrative career involving governance, development administration and public policy.
A Career Across Multiple Government Departments
Brar’s administrative journey has included leadership roles across diverse sectors, giving her experience in both field administration and departmental governance. Her assignments have ranged from district-level administration to managing state corporations and specialised government institutions. Some of her most significant positions include:
Secretary, Health and Family Welfare
In January 2026, Brar assumed charge as Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, placing her at the centre of Punjab’s health administration and policymaking framework. The department oversees public healthcare programmes, medical administration and implementation of health-related government initiatives across the state.
Special Secretary, NRI Affairs
Before her current assignment, Brar served as Special Secretary, NRI Affairs for nearly two years and nine months. The department handles matters relating to overseas Punjabis, grievance redressal and coordination involving non-resident Indians.
Managing Director, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation
She also headed the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation as Managing Director, overseeing one of the state’s important public-sector organisations involved in storage infrastructure and warehousing management.
Tourism and Heritage Administration
Brar has held multiple assignments connected with Punjab’s cultural and tourism institutions. Her responsibilities included serving as:
- CEO, Punjab Heritage Tourism Board
- CEO/General Manager, Virasat-e-Khalsa
These roles involved administration of tourism initiatives and heritage management, including responsibilities associated with the landmark institution at Anandpur Sahib.
Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib
Like many senior IAS officers, Brar has significant district administration experience. As Deputy Commissioner of Fatehgarh Sahib, she handled revenue administration, law-and-order coordination, development programmes and district governance responsibilities.
Rural Development Assignment
In 2024, she also held additional charge as Director, Rural Development and Panchayats, contributing to programmes related to rural governance and local development initiatives.
Current Role Amid Ongoing Investigation
Despite the ED summons, Kanwal Preet Brar continues to be associated with Punjab’s health administration as Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department. The current investigation relates to administrative decisions connected with the approval process of the Suntec City real estate project rather than her present departmental responsibilities.
At this stage, it is important to distinguish between being summoned for questioning and any finding of criminal liability. The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation is still underway, and the agency’s questioning forms part of its effort to examine official records, regulatory approvals and procedural aspects connected with the Mohali project. No wrongdoing has been established against Brar as of now, and the legal process remains ongoing.
