Investigation – ED Conducts Searches Linked to Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora
Investigation – The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday launched coordinated search operations at several locations connected to Punjab minister and MLA Sanjeev Arora as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation tied to alleged financial irregularities exceeding Rs 100 crore.
The raids were carried out under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Officials confirmed that teams conducted searches at five different premises spread across Delhi, Gurugram, and Chandigarh. According to the agency, four of these properties are allegedly associated with Arora and businesses linked to him, while another location belongs to Hampton Sky Realty Limited.
Probe Focuses on Alleged Fake GST Billing
Investigators are examining allegations related to fraudulent Goods and Services Tax transactions involving the purchase and export of mobile phones. According to officials familiar with the matter, the case revolves around suspected fake invoices allegedly generated through companies that investigators believe did not exist on paper.
The Enforcement Directorate suspects that purchase bills worth more than Rs 100 crore were allegedly created to claim ineligible input tax credit benefits. Authorities also believe these transactions may have been used to secure wrongful GST refunds and export-related duty benefits.
Officials involved in the investigation stated that the suspected financial network allegedly operated through a chain of export transactions. The agency is examining whether funds were transferred overseas and later brought back into India through financial channels in an attempt to disguise the origin of the money.
Searches Conducted Across Multiple Cities
The operation remained underway through the day at locations in Chandigarh and the Delhi-NCR region. Among the premises searched was a residence reportedly allotted to the minister in his official capacity.
The ED has not yet released an official statement detailing recoveries or findings from the latest round of searches. The agency is expected to continue examining financial records, electronic devices, and business documents linked to the investigation.
Political Reactions Emerge After ED Action
The searches also triggered a strong political response from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of using central agencies for political purposes.
Speaking publicly on the matter, Mann claimed this was the third time in the past year that the Enforcement Directorate had conducted searches linked to Sanjeev Arora. He further said it was the second such action within the last month.
The Chief Minister asserted that previous searches had not produced any evidence against the Punjab minister. He also maintained that the state government would not yield to political pressure.
CM Mann Criticises Central Government
In a message shared on social media platform X, Mann said Punjab has historically resisted attempts at intimidation and would continue to stand firm. Referring to the state’s historical and cultural legacy, he stated that Punjab had always opposed injustice and external pressure.
The Chief Minister also invoked the legacy of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh while criticising what he described as an “unethical alliance” between the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate.
Meanwhile, the ED investigation into the alleged money laundering and GST fraud case continues, with officials expected to scrutinise financial trails and transaction records connected to the suspected operation in the coming days