ED arrests Punjab Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora after multiple raids under the PMLA. Political tensions rise as Bhagwant Mann accuses the BJP-led Centre of misusing central investigative agencies in Punjab.
Political tensions intensified in Punjab on Saturday after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Punjab Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora from his official residence in Chandigarh’s Sector 2 during an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The arrest followed extensive raids conducted by the ED at multiple premises linked to the senior leader of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government. Officials carried out search operations at Arora’s residences and office locations in Chandigarh and the Delhi-NCR region. According to reports, this marks the third ED raid connected to Arora within the past year and the second raid within a month.
Although the Enforcement Directorate has not yet released an official statement regarding the arrest, the development has already triggered strong political reactions across Punjab. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that Arora was arrested in connection with an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case.
The ED’s investigation was reportedly initiated under provisions of the PMLA, which allows the agency to investigate financial crimes and money laundering activities. Search teams reportedly examined official documents, financial records, and electronic devices during the raids conducted since early Saturday morning.
The incident has further escalated the political confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of using central agencies to target opposition leaders and destabilize elected state governments.
Reacting strongly to the ED operation, Mann posted on social media platform X that the BJP’s ED had repeatedly targeted Sanjeev Arora without finding any evidence. He stated that this was the third ED visit to Arora’s residence within a year and the second within a month, questioning the motive behind the repeated raids.
The arrest of a serving Cabinet minister has created significant political ripples in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding transparency and accountability in the investigation. Meanwhile, AAP leaders have described the ED’s action as politically motivated ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
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As investigations continue, all eyes are now on the Enforcement Directorate for an official clarification regarding the charges and evidence connected to the arrest. The development is expected to intensify political debates in Punjab in the coming days.
