A major political development in Punjab has stirred fresh controversy after the Enforcement Directorate carried out extensive raids at locations linked to Punjab Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora. The search operations began early Saturday morning at his official residence in Chandigarh and extended to several other premises connected to him and his family.
According to officials, nearly twenty ED officers arrived at Arora’s Sector 2 residence in Chandigarh in multiple vehicles and conducted a detailed search that lasted several hours. The operation was part of a broader investigation into an alleged financial fraud involving fake GST purchases and suspected money laundering.
During the raids, the agency also searched properties in Delhi and Gurugram, including the office of Hampton Sky Realty Limited, a company reportedly linked to Arora’s family business interests. Investigators are examining financial documents, electronic devices, and transaction records collected during the operation.
The case revolves around allegations that companies connected to the minister were involved in generating fake GST purchase bills for mobile phones worth more than ₹100 crore. Officials believe these bills were obtained from non-existent or shell firms based in Delhi. By using these documents, the companies allegedly claimed fraudulent Input Tax Credit and export-related tax refunds.
Investigators also suspect that the transactions may have been part of a larger scheme involving round-tripping of funds from Dubai to India. In such arrangements, money is allegedly sent abroad through questionable channels and then brought back disguised as legitimate business revenue or export earnings.
While some reports circulating in the media suggested that Sanjeev Arora had been taken into custody during the raids, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema told media outlets that there has been no official confirmation of an arrest so far. The Enforcement Directorate has also not issued any formal statement confirming detention or arrest.
The developments have quickly sparked political reactions in Punjab. Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party have rallied behind Arora, claiming that central investigative agencies are being used for political purposes. Party leaders, including national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, have expressed support for the minister and questioned the timing of the raids.
Sanjeev Arora is considered one of the most influential figures in the Punjab government. He currently holds important portfolios including Power, Industries, Investment Promotion, and Local Government. Within the state administration, he is widely viewed as a key figure responsible for maintaining ties between the government and Punjab’s industrial community.
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Interestingly, this is not the first time investigators have searched locations linked to Arora. Sources indicate that this is the third such search operation involving the minister, with another raid having taken place less than a month ago. The repeated investigations have intensified the political debate around the case.
For now, the Enforcement Directorate continues to analyze the documents and financial records seized during the searches. Officials say further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over whether the minister will face arrest or further legal proceedings as the probe unfolds.