Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 9: The Enforcement Directorate (Enforcement Directorate) carried out fresh searches on Saturday at the residence of Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora in Sector 2, Chandigarh, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation.
According to official sources, around 20 vehicles and heavy security deployment were seen at the site during the early morning operation. The agency is conducting coordinated searches at multiple premises linked to Arora and his associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
The raids reportedly covered four key locations across Chandigarh and the Delhi-NCR region, including the minister’s official residence allotted in his capacity as a cabinet member. Additional searches were also conducted at five locations in Delhi, Gurugram, and Chandigarh, including office premises of Hampton Sky Realty Limited and other associated properties.
ED sources said the investigation involves allegations of large-scale money laundering linked to fake GST transactions involving mobile phones worth over Rs 100 crore. The case also examines suspected export-related fraud and alleged “round-tripping” of funds between India and Dubai.
Officials further stated that the probe includes claims of fake invoices generated through non-existent firms based in Delhi. These entities were allegedly used to fraudulently claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), GST refunds, export incentives, and duty drawback benefits, causing alleged losses to the exchequer.
The agency has not yet issued an official detailed statement but confirmed that searches are being conducted under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation is still underway.
Reacting to the raids, Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged political targeting and criticised the operation, claiming it was part of a repeated pattern against the minister. He said the timing and scale of the action indicated political intent.
Earlier, in April, the ED had also conducted searches linked to Arora under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). In 2024 as well, he was questioned in a separate money laundering case related to alleged misuse of industrial land for residential development projects.