ED raids Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora in money-laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora on Saturday in a money-laundering probe that has triggered a political slugfest. The inquiries, carried out under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, saw searches at five locations across Delhi, Gurugram and Chandigarh, including Arora's official residence.\n\nOfficials allege that Arora and associates used a company to execute large-scale money laundering through fake Goods and Services Tax purchases of mobile phones totaling more than ₹100 crore, with funds allegedly routed back to India via round‑trip transfers from Dubai.\n\nEarlier this year, the ED conducted FEMA raids on Arora and associates. In 2024, authorities probed a money‑laundering case linked to alleged misuse of industrial land for residential projects when Arora was a Rajya Sabha MP.\n\nPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the government, saying the ED raids have occurred multiple times in a year and questioning why such actions are concentrated in states not ruled by the BJP. Opposition parties blasted the government, accusing it of governance lapses and demanding transparency.\n\nRaid locations included the minister’s residence in Chandigarh and office premises tied to Hampton Sky Realty Limited and other linked entities. The ED emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that further seizures could follow as officials examine documents and financial trails.\n\nPolitical observers say the case underscores the growing scrutiny of political figures amid a widening probe into financial crime, with authorities stressing that the aim is to uncover illicit networks rather than target any party.

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