GSTFraud – ED Conducts Fresh Searches in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Probe
GSTFraud – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday intensified its investigation into an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case by conducting fresh searches across multiple locations in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The case involves an alleged financial irregularity estimated at around ₹100 crore and is connected to mobile phone trading transactions.
Searches Conducted Across Multiple Cities
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the agency carried out search operations at nearly six locations spread across the cities of Jalandhar and Ludhiana in Punjab, as well as Bareilly and Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The action forms part of an ongoing money laundering inquiry being pursued under relevant financial laws.
Investigators examined several premises believed to be associated with individuals and business entities that are currently under scrutiny. The searches focused on gathering documents, financial records, and other materials considered important to the ongoing probe.
Focus on Business Entities Under Investigation
Officials stated that some of the locations searched are connected to Hampton Sky Realty Ltd., a company that has come under the agency’s scanner during the course of the investigation. The company is reportedly linked to Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, who has been a key figure in the case.
Authorities are examining the financial transactions and business activities of the entities involved to determine whether proceeds generated through the alleged GST fraud were subsequently routed through other channels. The investigation is aimed at establishing the money trail and identifying all individuals and organizations that may have played a role in the suspected scheme.
Arrest of Punjab Minister Last Month
Sanjeev Arora, 62, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last month after investigators conducted extensive searches at his official residence in Chandigarh. The operation lasted several hours and was followed by further questioning by agency officials.
Following his arrest, Arora was produced before the appropriate court and has since been placed in judicial custody. At the time of his arrest, he was serving as a minister in the Punjab government and was responsible for the Power, Industry and Commerce departments.
Government Reassigns Ministerial Portfolios
After the minister’s arrest, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann redistributed Arora’s responsibilities among other members of the state cabinet to ensure continuity in administrative work.
The development marked a significant political and administrative shift within the government, as key departments previously handled by Arora were reassigned pending further legal proceedings in the case.
Investigation Continues
The Enforcement Directorate has not disclosed the full details of the evidence collected during the latest round of searches. However, officials indicated that the inquiry remains active and further investigative steps may follow based on the findings obtained from the recent operations.
The agency continues to examine financial records and related transactions as it seeks to uncover the extent of the alleged GST fraud and determine the involvement of all parties connected to the case.