ED raids premises of AAP Moga MLA Amandeep Kaur in Punjab
The Enforcement Directorate is searching seven locations in connection with alleged fraudulent land acquisition and misappropriation of public funds.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at seven premises in Punjab on Wednesday, including the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Moga MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora. According to reports by Hindustan Times and ANI, the searches also targeted the premises of her husband, Rakesh Arora, family members, associates, and a de-addiction hospital associated with Rakesh Arora.
The federal agency recorded an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) regarding the alleged fraudulent acquisition of government and institutional properties and the misappropriation of public funds. The ED's action is based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Punjab Police on June 16, 2024, concerning the fraudulent mutation of government land acquired for National Highway No 754A and the wrongful disbursement of compensation.
The search operation, which began early in the morning, aims to unearth the money trail and corruption activities. The Indian Express reported that the searches included Arora's Icon Heights flat on GT Road and her camp office in Model Colony, Dosanjh Road in Moga.
The investigation follows previous allegations. In January 2024, the Punjab Lokpal summoned Arora and three family members following a complaint from her former personal assistant, Harsh Aren, who alleged involvement in buying benami properties and encroaching government land. Arora has denied all such allegations.