Daijiworld Media Network - Mohali
Mohali, Sep 24: High-voltage drama unfolded outside the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) office on Thursday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a protest against the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) search and survey operation and attempted to enter the premises. Vehicles belonging to the investigative agency were also damaged during the protest.
AAP workers gathered outside the GMADA office and raised slogans against the central agency. The protesters pushed through police barricades and entered the GMADA campus, where they clashed with security personnel while attempting to move towards the offices where the ED search operation was underway.
During the confrontation, the window pane and window glass of an ED vehicle were damaged.
The ruling AAP has accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies as a political tool to put pressure on the Punjab government and its officials. The party has alleged that the ED action was aimed at disrupting the functioning of GMADA and creating pressure on the state government.
"The BJP is unable to stop the welfare schemes through political means, so attempts are now being made to create administrative pressure and obstacles. The people of Punjab will not allow these tactics to succeed," AAP said, according to a PTI report.
The party also alleged that central agencies could not manufacture political support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in Punjab.
The ED action at the GMADA office has been underway since Tuesday as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd and its associated companies. The agency has launched search and survey operations at 26 premises across Delhi, Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ludhiana.
The ED is examining the promoters, directors and associated persons of Tirupati Infraprojects, Remigate Buildestates (India), MB Infrabuild, Mera Baba Reality Associates and Mera Baba Infrastructure.
At the same time, surveys under Section 16 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are being conducted at the GMADA office and the Punjab government's Department of Housing and Urban Development to gather evidence related to the accused entities.
The confrontation comes amid a legal challenge by the Punjab government against the ED's action. The state government approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging that the ongoing search operation was disrupting government functioning.
Following a late-night hearing, the High Court appointed a warrant officer to visit the search sites and submit a status report by 2 pm on Thursday. The warrant officer was given liberty to inspect the premises at any time.
Meanwhile, the ED has expanded its operation beyond GMADA. An ED team also searched a government residence in Chandigarh's Sector 39 during the night as part of the ongoing investigation.