ED Conducts Raids on IT Expert’s Residence in Punjab; Cash Seized

Details of the Raids

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of raids on Thursday targeting the residence of Nitin Gohal, an IT professional located near Kharar in Mohali, Punjab. Gohal is reportedly linked to an aide of Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann.

The search operation focused on Flat No. 906 at Western Towers, Sector 127, Chajju Majra. During the operation, two bags, believed to contain cash, were reportedly thrown from the ninth floor of the building, causing a disturbance in the vicinity.

Morning walkers encountered scattered currency notes around the complex and informed the authorities. The ED officials later secured the bags and continued their search for several hours.

Other Locations Raided

In addition to the raid in Kharar, the ED also conducted searches in Sector 16, Chandigarh, and Patiala as part of the same investigation. A separate operation was executed at the premises of Bir Devinder Singh in Mohali, who is also perceived to have connections to an AAP official.

While officials have not detailed the investigation’s specific focus, sources suggest that the raids relate to alleged financial misconduct.

Government Response

A spokesperson for the Punjab Government confirmed the ED’s actions, stating that the agency targeted an employee in the IT sector at Western Towers in Kharar. As the ED team approached the residence, an unidentified individual reportedly discarded a bag filled with cash, which a driver below subsequently attempted to collect. ED personnel noticed the incident, pursued the driver, and seized approximately Rs 2.1 million in cash from the bag. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not commented further.

The spokesperson also addressed claims regarding any close affiliations between Gohal and the Chief Minister’s office, asserting that many individuals interact with AAP leaders without indicating any personal relationship. The statement emphasized that it is incorrect to classify Gohal as an aide to the Chief Minister.

Opposition Reaction

Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition, criticized the Punjab Government following the ED’s actions. On social media platform X, he remarked that a central agency’s raids on close associates of the Chief Minister raise concerns about the efficacy and fairness of the justice system in the region.

The recent ED operation aligns with a pattern of raids targeting individuals affiliated with the ruling party in Punjab. Earlier, the agency conducted searches at locations connected to Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, investigating alleged financial irregularities under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Context of Previous ED Actions

In the preceding weeks, the ED also raided properties associated with Ashok Mittal, a former AAP Rajya Sabha member who switched allegiance to the BJP. This included investigations at several educational institutions linked to Mittal in Punjab and Haryana.

The Aam Aadmi Party has characterized these raids as politically motivated, alleging that the central government is utilizing investigative agencies to target opposition figures ahead of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections in 2027.