ED Raids Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora in FEMA Probe
Searches across multiple cities; AAP alleges political targeting
- ED conducts raids at 13 locations linked to Sanjeev Arora
- Action under FEMA over alleged financial irregularities
- Premises in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh covered
- AAP terms raids politically motivated
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, 17th April: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday carried out searches at the residence and linked premises of Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora as part of an ongoing investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
The agency conducted raids at around 13 locations connected to Arora, his family members and business associates across Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.
Searches were carried out at the residences and offices of Arora, his son Kavya Arora, and his business associates Hemanth Sood and Chandrasekhar Aggarwal. Central forces were deployed outside his Ludhiana residence during the operation.
Officials said Arora is linked to Hampton Sky Realty Ltd, a real estate firm under scrutiny for alleged financial irregularities.
Investigators are examining allegations including illegal land-use changes, fraudulent sales bookings, insider trading and suspected round-tripping of funds from the UAE.
Arora acknowledged the ED action and said he would cooperate fully. “As a responsible citizen, I will fully cooperate with the agencies and I am confident that the truth will prevail,” he said.
The raids have triggered sharp political reactions. Arvind Kejriwal questioned the timing of the action, alleging misuse of central agencies.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also criticised the move, claiming that non-BJP governments are being targeted.
AAP’s media in-charge Anurag Dhanda termed the action as politically motivated, alleging that central agencies are being used to pressure opposition leaders.
The latest raids come a day after the ED conducted similar searches at the premises of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, further escalating the political confrontation between the ruling party in Punjab and the Centre.
