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Chandigarh/Ludhiana/New Delhi: Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora came under fresh scrutiny on Friday after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations linked to him, marking the second such action against AAP leaders in Punjab within a week and intensifying the political confrontation between the Centre and the state government.
Multi-city raids amid ongoing probe
According to sources, ED teams began simultaneous searches around 6:30 am at Arora’s residence, official premises, and properties connected to his business associates and family members, including his daughter. The operation spanned Delhi, Ludhiana and Chandigarh, with central armed police forces deployed for security, while the Punjab Police was kept out of the exercise. This is not the first time Arora has faced such action, having been raided earlier in 2024 as well, indicating that the agency’s probe into alleged financial or business-related irregularities is ongoing. However, the ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the exact nature of the allegations.
Minister reacts, says will cooperate
At the time of the raids, Arora was en route to Europe as part of the Punjab government’s “Invest Punjab” initiative to attract foreign investment. Reacting briefly, he said he had no prior knowledge of the कार्रवाई and confirmed that teams were present at all his premises. In a public statement, he maintained that he would fully cooperate with the investigating agency and expressed confidence that the truth would emerge.
Political storm intensifies
The raids have triggered sharp political reactions. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party alleged that central agencies are being used to target opposition leaders, with party spokesperson Anurag Dhanda calling it the second such कार्रवाई against AAP leaders in Punjab within three days. He accused the Centre, led by Narendra Modi, of misusing investigative agencies to exert political pressure. On the other hand, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu reacted sharply on social media, hinting that more revelations could follow.
Broader implications
The timing of the raids—coinciding with the state’s investment outreach efforts—adds another layer of political sensitivity to the development. With repeated ED कार्रवाई against key figures, the episode is likely to deepen the Centre-state political tussle in Punjab, even as the investigation continues and further details are awaited.
