Enforcement Directorate Raids Properties Linked to AAP MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab
Early Morning Raids Conducted
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids early Wednesday morning at various business entities associated with AAP Rajya Sabha Member Ashok Mittal and his son in Punjab. The operation is a part of an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), according to official statements.
Earlier this month, Ashok Mittal was appointed as the new Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), succeeding Raghav Chadha in the position. Mittal, who is 61 years old, is recognized as a businessman and educationist, and he leads the Lovely Group which includes an educational institution bearing the same name.
Locations of the Raids
The searches are reportedly taking place at multiple locations in Punjab, specifically in Jalandhar and Phagwara, along with additional sites linked to Mittal’s business activities. Sources from the ED indicate that the actions are connected to alleged mismanagement of funds related to the university run by Mittal.
Political Reaction
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded strongly to the raids, accusing the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of misusing central agencies for political gain in the upcoming elections. Mann’s remarks highlight a significant concern regarding the intersection of law enforcement actions and political maneuvering.
Similarly, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed his criticisms regarding the ED’s actions, asserting that these measures exemplify an effort by the central government to sway the political environment in Punjab. Kejriwal emphasized that the public in Punjab is likely to respond decisively to such perceived injustices.
