CHANDIGARH/LUDHIANA, APRIL 17 — Enforcement Directorate teams conducted widespread raids Friday morning targeting Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora, focusing on his residential and business interests in three cities. The searches, which began in the early morning hours, come just days after another member of the Punjab cabinet was subjected to similar investigative action.
At the time the searches were launched, Arora was en route to Europe to represent the “Invest Punjab” campaign. The mission is part of a broader state government effort to attract international business interest to Punjab. Despite the minister’s absence from the country, central forces secured his properties to allow federal investigators to carry out their duties.
Regarding the ongoing searches, Arora stated that teams were present at all of his premises and workplaces. He affirmed that he was not fully aware of the details behind the sudden action and maintained a neutral stance, declaring he had nothing further to add until more information became available.
The federal agency has maintained silence on the specific charges leading to this round of searches, though the involvement of family members’ properties suggests a broad financial investigation. The use of central security forces rather than local law enforcement has become a standard procedure in these high-profile federal operations.
The development has triggered significant political friction. AAP leadership affirmed that the repeated use of investigative agencies against their ministers is a calculated move to disrupt state governance. National Spokesperson Anurag Dhanda stated that the timing of these raids, occurring while the minister is on a vital investment tour, is particularly noteworthy. Meanwhile, political opponents, including Ravneet Singh Bittu, have publicly supported the agency’s actions, declaring that legal processes must take their course.
