Chandigarh, April 17 — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at multiple premises linked to Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora across Delhi, Ludhiana and Chandigarh, officials said, marking the second such action nvolving AAP leaders in the state this week.
The raids began early morning around 6:30 am, covering Arora’s residence, official premises, and locations associated with his business associates and family members, including his daughter. Central armed police forces assisted the ED teams, while the Punjab Police was not involved in the operation.
“I have no idea about it. Teams are at all my premises and workplaces,” Arora said, adding that he had nothing further to comment at this stage.
At the time of the action, Arora was travelling to Europe as part of the Punjab government’s “Invest Punjab” initiative aimed at attracting foreign investment. Senior officials, including the Chief Minister, are also expected to travel abroad under the programme.
Officials said this is the second round of ED targeting AAP leaders in Punjab within three days, following similar searches earlier this week. Arora had also faced ED raids in 2024.
The ED has not issued an official statement detailing the case or specific allegations. However, the repeated searches indicate an ongoing probe into suspected financial or business-related matters, sources said.
The development drew a sharp response from the Aam Aadmi Party, which termed the raids politically motivated. Party spokesperson Anurag Dhanda said the raids reflect “increasing pressure on opposition leaders” and accused the Centre of misusing investigative agencies.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, in a social media post, wrote: “All will be caught,” while sharing an image referencing the raids.