The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at a high-rise building in Mohali, Punjab, which is allegedly linked to an aide of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The operation took place on Wednesday morning, and during the search, bundles of Rs 500 notes were thrown from the ninth floor of the building, creating a scene of chaos as the notes fluttered down.
Details of the Raid
The ED team arrived at the upscale residential complex around 6 am and began searching the premises. The building is reportedly owned by a close associate of the Chief Minister, who is under investigation for money laundering and other financial irregularities. According to sources, the officials recovered a large amount of cash, along with documents related to property transactions.
Currency Notes Thrown from Ninth Floor
During the raid, some individuals inside the apartment allegedly tried to dispose of the evidence by throwing bundles of currency notes out of the window. The notes, mostly in denominations of Rs 500, were scattered across the ground floor, causing a stir among the residents and onlookers. The ED officials quickly secured the area and collected the notes.
Investigation and Link to CM Aide
The ED is investigating the financial dealings of the aide, who is believed to have amassed wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. The agency is also probing alleged irregularities in contracts awarded by the state government. The raid is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Punjab.
Political Reactions
The opposition parties have seized upon the incident to criticize the Mann government. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the matter is being investigated and that the law will take its course. The ED has not officially commented on the seizure or the identity of the building owner.
Previous ED Actions in Punjab
This is not the first time the ED has conducted raids in Punjab linked to political figures. In recent months, the agency has raided several properties associated with ministers and bureaucrats in the state, as part of its efforts to curb money laundering and illegal asset accumulation.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the ED examines the recovered documents and cash. The incident has highlighted the challenges in combating financial crimes in the region.
