Ludhiana: In a renewed crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out search operations at multiple locations associated with Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora in Ludhiana. Officials reached his residence early in the morning, accompanied by central security personnel, and initiated a detailed inspection of the premises.
Apart from his private residence, teams also reportedly searched his official accommodation and other properties believed to be linked to him. Sources indicate that the action is tied to an ongoing probe into suspected financial irregularities and alleged violations connected to land transactions dating back several years.
This is not the first time Arora has come under the scanner. In October 2024, the ED had conducted similar operations at various sites connected to him across Ludhiana and other cities. The investigation at the time revolved around allegations that land earmarked for industrial purposes had been diverted for residential development, raising questions over possible misuse and money laundering.
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The latest development follows closely on the heels of ED searches linked to Ashok Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party and Chancellor of Lovely Professional University. Earlier this week, multiple teams conducted coordinated raids at around ten locations tied to him.
Properties in Jalandhar, Phagwara, and Gurugram were among those covered, along with business establishments such as Lovely Sweets and Lovely Autos. The university campus also came under scrutiny during the operation.
According to people familiar with the matter, officials entered the campus premises early in the day and began examining records at the administrative block. Electronic devices and financial documents were reportedly checked as part of the inquiry, with some materials taken for further examination.
Investigators are believed to be focusing on financial transactions involving Mittal and his family members, particularly in relation to suspected irregularities. Employees at the premises were asked to cooperate and provide relevant documentation during the search.
Despite back-to-back high-profile raids, the ED has not yet issued an official statement outlining the specifics of either operation.
