ED Raids Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora’s Premises
Bhagwant Mann accuses Centre of using probe agencies against political rivals
- Enforcement Directorate conducts searches linked to Sanjeev Arora
- Raids carried out in Chandigarh and Delhi-NCR under PMLA
- Bhagwant Mann alleges misuse of central agencies
- AAP claims BJP is targeting opposition-ruled states politically
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 9th May: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday carried out search operations at multiple premises linked to Sanjeev Arora, triggering a sharp political confrontation between the Punjab government and the BJP-led Centre.
According to officials, the raids were conducted at four locations in Chandigarh and the Delhi-NCR region under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. One of the searched properties included the official ministerial residence allotted to Arora.
Officials said the searches were linked to financial investigations involving Arora and associated entities.
Earlier on April 17, the ED had also conducted raids against Arora and linked firms under the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Arora, 62, is an MLA of the Aam Aadmi Party from Ludhiana West and currently serves as Punjab’s Power Minister.
Reacting strongly to the action, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of using central agencies such as the ED, CBI and Income Tax Department as “political weapons” against opposition leaders.
Addressing a press conference, Mann alleged that states heading into elections often witness increased action by central investigative agencies.
“Punjab is now on their target,” Mann said, referring to the BJP.
He further alleged that the purpose of such raids was not to recover illegal assets but to pressure political leaders into joining the BJP.
“The real intention is to threaten leaders through their businesses and reputation,” Mann claimed.
The Chief Minister also cited the case of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, alleging that investigative action against him stopped after he joined the BJP.
Mann said the latest raids on Arora marked the third such action against him within a year and accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate political opponents.
He also referred to issues involving Chandigarh, river water disputes and Panjab University, alleging that the BJP was trying to politically corner Punjab.
The ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the outcome of the searches.
