The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out raids at multiple locations linked to Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with a money laundering probe. The searches were conducted at his official residence in Chandigarh and other premises in Mohali and Ludhiana.
Details of the Raids
According to sources, the ED action is part of an investigation into alleged illegal sand mining and related financial irregularities. The agency suspects that Arora, who holds the transport and food and civil supplies portfolios, was involved in laundering proceeds from these illegal activities.
The raids began early morning and continued till late evening. ED officials seized several documents, digital devices, and financial records. They also questioned Arora's associates and family members.
Political Reactions
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann swiftly reacted to the development, accusing the central government of misusing federal agencies to target opposition leaders. "This is a clear case of political vendetta. The BJP-led central government is using the ED to harass Aam Aadmi Party leaders," Mann said in a press conference.
He further stated that his government would provide all legal assistance to the minister and expose the "dictatorial tendencies" of the central government.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded Arora's resignation, alleging that the raids indicate deep-rooted corruption in the AAP government. "The ED action proves that the AAP government is corrupt to the core. Sanjeev Arora should immediately step down," said BJP spokesperson Vineet Joshi.
Background
Sanjeev Arora is a prominent AAP leader and was inducted into the Punjab cabinet in March 2022. This is not the first time that ED has conducted raids on AAP leaders. Earlier this year, the agency had searched premises of several party MLAs and ministers in connection with a separate money laundering case.
The ED probe is based on a case registered by the Punjab Police under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has been investigating illegal sand mining in the state, which has allegedly caused huge losses to the exchequer.
Meanwhile, the state government has formed a special task force to curb illegal mining. However, opposition parties claim that the government is not serious about cracking down on the mafia.
What Next?
The ED is likely to summon Arora for questioning in the coming days. The minister has maintained his innocence, stating that the raids are politically motivated. He said he will cooperate with the investigation but will also challenge the agency's action legally.
The development has further escalated tensions between the AAP-led Punjab government and the BJP-led central government. With assembly elections due in Punjab in 2027, both parties are expected to use this issue to corner each other.
