ED Conducts Raids on AAP Associate's Properties in Punjab

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has executed searches at the residence and other locations associated with businessman Amit Bajaj in Jalandhar, who is known to have close ties with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In response, AAP has labeled these actions as raids against 'Hindu traders' in Punjab. ED officials arrived at Bajaj's home and office in the New Jawahar Nagar area on Tuesday morning. Bajaj is recognized as a key contractor for the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation, and his connections with senior AAP leaders are well-known.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP and central agencies, stating that the ED is once again targeting Hindu traders in Punjab. He urged all traders not to panic, assuring them that the entire Punjab and its government stand with them, and they will collectively confront the ED's actions. Other AAP officials echoed similar sentiments in their posts.

The national media spokesperson for AAP remarked that the ED aims to instill fear among Punjab's Hindu traders. He expressed dismay that the ED seeks votes from Hindus while simultaneously undermining their interests. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches at six locations across Ludhiana and Jalandhar in Punjab, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, and the Delhi-Noida region. Officials indicated that these searches are part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), allegedly linked to a real estate case.

Officials noted that the searches targeted residential and commercial properties connected to individuals and entities involved with Hampton Sky Realty Limited. Further investigations are ongoing.