Jalandhar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at locations associated with Jalandhar-based businessman Amit Bajaj, a figure often perceived to have close ties with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The action triggered a sharp political response from the ruling party, which accused the central agency of intimidating Punjab’s trading community.
ED officials arrived at Bajaj’s residence in the New Jawahar Nagar locality and also searched his office premises as part of an ongoing investigation. The agency has not officially disclosed details regarding the nature of the searches or the specific allegations being examined.
The development quickly became a political flashpoint, with AAP leaders alleging that traders in the state were being unfairly targeted. Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to criticise the action, claiming that repeated ED operations were creating an atmosphere of fear among business owners in Punjab.
In his statement, Kejriwal urged traders not to feel intimidated, asserting that the Punjab government stood firmly with them. He accused the central agency of harassing members of the business community and pledged support against what he described as undue pressure.
Several senior AAP functionaries echoed similar sentiments. The party’s national media wing also issued a statement alleging that the raids were aimed at spreading fear among Hindu traders in the state. Party leaders questioned the intent behind the enforcement action and accused the BJP-led Centre of using investigative agencies for political purposes.
The BJP has repeatedly rejected such allegations in the past, maintaining that central agencies operate independently and carry out investigations based on evidence and legal procedures.
As of Tuesday evening, the Enforcement Directorate had not released any official findings from the searches. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
