The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided the Punjab AAP government’s Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora, while he is on an investment tour in Europe. Arora was visiting Europe as part of the Punjab government’s “Invest Punjab” initiative aimed at attracting foreign investment at the time of the raids.
He faces fresh scrutiny after the ED carried out multiple raids at locations linked to him early on Friday, despite him being on an EU tour.
According to sources, ED teams conducted simultaneous searches at Arora’s residence, official premises, and properties associated with his business associates and family members.
This is the second time the ED has initiated raids against Arora; he was also raided in 2024.
When asked by reporters about the raids, Arora responded by saying, “I have no idea about it. Teams are at all my premises and workplaces.”
Arora has been sent by the ruling AAP government in Punjab on an official “Invest Punjab” initiative aimed at attracting foreign investment.
Besides, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was reportedly set to accompany him in the coming days for the same investment tour.
Officials on Friday confirmed that armed police forces have been deployed to assist the ED during the searches.
Interestingly, Punjab Police has been kept out of the operation, with central armed forces handling the security arrangements at the raided locations.
While the ED has not yet issued an official statement regarding the raids, Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has sharply reacted to the development, terming it politically motivated.
Also read: ED raids premises linked to AAP MP Ashok Mittal
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