Punjab Minister's Arrest Sparks Political Tussle Amid ED Probe

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied relief for Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora from arrest in a money laundering investigation linked to fraudulent GST transactions. Arora's legal team contests the arrest's legality, while AAP leaders claim political motives. The case highlights ongoing tensions between AAP and BJP.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has declined to provide relief from arrest to Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora amid a money laundering investigation regarding fraudulent GST transactions. The court postponed the hearing regarding his plea against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until May 14. Meanwhile, a special court in Gurugram has placed Arora under seven days of ED custody following his arrest on May 9 in Chandigarh linked to alleged GST fraud exceeding Rs 100 crore.

Arora's legal representative outlined their grievances to ANI, contesting the arrest on grounds of constitutional and PMLA violations. The defense argues the foundational FIR is illegal, following searches at multiple premises linked to Arora and Hampton Sky Realty Limited (HSRL), a company under scrutiny in the investigation.

According to the ED's Enforcement Case Information Report recorded on May 5, HSRL, beneficially owned by Arora and family, sold mobile phones worth Rs 157.12 crore during FY 2023-24 to various entities. Arora, as Chairman and Managing Director of HSRL, is accused of facilitating these illicit transactions. Amidst these developments, AAP leaders, including national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, have suggested political pressure from central agencies to push opposition leaders towards joining the BJP.

While Kejriwal commended Arora's choice, AAP's Harbhajan Singh ETO criticized the central government's tactics under 'Operation Lotus'. Contrarily, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar condemned AAP, alleging the end of misgovernance in Punjab.