Money laundering probe: ED raids AAP MP Sanjeev Arora's home in Punjab

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjeev Arora in Ludhiana, Punjab, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The operation, according to officials, is linked to allegations of fraudulent land acquisition by Mr. Arora's company, involving property worth crores.

Reacting to the ED raid, Sanjeev Arora expressed uncertainty regarding the reasons for the search. "I am a law-abiding citizen, not sure about the reason for the search operation. I will cooperate fully with agencies and ensure all their queries are answered," he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Raids across multiple locations

The ED's investigation extends beyond Arora's residence, with simultaneous raids being conducted at 17 different locations, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Delhi. Among the locations raided was the residence of realtor Hemant Sood.

AAP leadership's response

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia criticized the ED's action, alleging a pattern of repeated raids on AAP leaders that have yielded no results. "In the last two years, the ED has raided the homes of multiple AAP leaders, including (former Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal, my house, (AAP MP) Sanjay Singh’s house, and (former minister) Satyendra Jain’s house. Nothing was found anywhere," Sisodia posted on X in Hindi.

Sisodia himself was arrested by the CBI in February 2023 over the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam and was subsequently detained by the ED on related money laundering charges. He was granted bail in August this year.

ED’s focus on AAP leaders

In addition to Sanjeev Arora, other prominent AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendar Jain, have faced scrutiny by the ED. While Kejriwal and Singh have been granted bail, Satyendar Jain remains in custody following his arrest in May 2022.