ED Raids Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora and Associates Amid Ongoing Investigation.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has initiated fresh searches against Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora amidst a money laundering investigation, targeting multiple locations in Delhi, Gurugram, and Chandigarh, including his official residence. This follows ongoing scrutiny related to allegations of extensive fake GST transactions involving mobile phones valued over ₹100 crore, which are believed to facilitate illegitimate fund transfers between Dubai and India.

Investigators have uncovered suspicions that non-existent firms in Delhi have been leveraged to secure fraudulent GST purchase bills, enabling unlawful claims for input tax credits, GST refunds on exports, and duty drawback benefits. The raids are conducted under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), indicating a serious escalation in legal scrutiny against Arora and associated entities, such as Hampton Sky Realty Limited.

Previously in April, the ED had conducted investigations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), with Arora expressing confidence in cooperating with the agencies. However, this is not Arora’s first encounter with the ED; he has faced investigations before, including in 2024 regarding alleged misuse of industrial land for residential developments during his tenure as a Rajya Sabha MP. The situation remains dynamic as the ED intensifies its efforts to unravel the complex web of alleged financial misconduct.