The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a significant operation against Sanjeev Arora, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and a minister in the Punjab government. On Tuesday, the central probe agency conducted fresh raids at multiple locations associated with the minister and several other individuals. This action is part of a high-profile money laundering investigation linked to a massive GST fraud case involving the sale of mobile phones. The financial irregularities under the scanner are estimated to be around 100 crore rupees, prompting the agency to intensify its search for evidence and financial trails.
Geographical Scope of the ED Operation
According to officials from the Enforcement Directorate, the raids are being carried out at approximately 6 different premises. The geographical spread of this operation is extensive, covering key cities in Punjab such as Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Also, the investigation has reached beyond the state borders of Punjab, with search teams active in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, as well as in the Delhi-Noida region. The simultaneous nature of these raids suggests a coordinated effort to secure documents and digital evidence related to the alleged money laundering activities.
Investigation Under PMLA and Hampton Sky Realty Limited
The ongoing searches are being conducted under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation focuses on individuals and entities that have come under the scanner in connection with the Hampton Sky Realty Limited case, while the premises being searched include both residential properties and business offices of the suspects. The agency is looking into the flow of funds and the alleged conversion of illegally obtained money into legitimate assets, specifically focusing on the 100 crore GST fraud linked to mobile phone transactions.
Arvind Kejriwal Reacts to the Raids
The news of the raids triggered a sharp reaction from Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, while taking to the social media platform X, Kejriwal expressed his strong disapproval of the ED's actions. He alleged that the agency was specifically targeting and harassing small Hindu traders in Punjab. In his post, Kejriwal stated, "ED today is again raiding Hindu traders in Punjab. ED is harassing small Hindu traders of Punjab. I appeal to all traders. There is nothing to panic about. " His statement reflects the growing political tension between the AAP-led Punjab government and the central investigative agencies.
Current Legal Status of Sanjeev Arora
Sanjeev Arora, who is 62 years old, is currently in judicial custody. He was arrested by the central agency last month following a day-long raid at his official residence in Chandigarh, while the arrest marked a significant turn in the investigation, leading to his incarceration as the agency continues to probe the financial dealings. Before his arrest, Arora held key portfolios in the Punjab cabinet, serving as the Minister for Power, Industry, and Commerce. Following his detention, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, reallocated his ministerial departments to other members of the cabinet to ensure the smooth functioning of the administration.