Enforcement Directorate raided Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora’s house on April 17 morning in Ludhiana. Meanwhile, central police forces secured the area outside his residence. Additionally, officials searched other linked locations during the operation.
Furthermore, sources linked this action to an old money laundering case. Authorities also examined alleged irregularities in land deals. Moreover, teams searched 13 premises under FEMA rules across Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar.
Investigation widens with multiple names and locations involved
Officials conducted searches at homes and offices of Sanjeev Arora, Hemant Sood, and Chandrashekhar Agrawal. Meanwhile, ED officers continued inspections in Ludhiana and other cities. Notably, ED had raided Arora’s residence earlier in 2024.
At that time, ED stated companies linked to Arora misused industrial land. Authorities claimed residential projects caused financial loss to the state government. Additionally, agencies alleged illegal earnings through these activities.
ED uncovers real estate links and financial irregularities
ED investigation revealed large investments through Hampton Sky Realty Ltd, earlier called Ritesh Properties. However, authorities found serious irregularity allegations linked with these projects. Moreover, officials suspected illegal land use changes during these developments.
Additionally, investigators found fake bookings used to increase share prices. Authorities also suspected insider trading in stock markets for profits. Furthermore, Arora’s son Kavya Arora, current MD, came under investigation scope.
UAE money route and betting network under scanner
Meanwhile, Ludhiana businessman Hemnath Sood played a key role in the case. Authorities accused his firm Findoc Finvest of routing black money from UAE. Investigators claimed funds entered India and turned white through investments.
Moreover, agencies tracked money movement through FPI routes into stock markets. Meanwhile, Jalandhar businessman Chandrashekhar Agrawal built a betting network named “Khiladi Book.” Authorities alleged he collected money from thousands through fraud.
Hawala links, shell firms, and political protection allegations emerge
Investigators claimed money first moved to UAE before returning into Indian real estate projects. Furthermore, agencies suspected a major hawala and betting connection in this network. Additionally, ED believed Arora used political influence to protect illegal betting operators.
Authorities alleged he received profit shares in return for protection. Moreover, agencies found fake export bills and shell companies used in transactions. Investigators also discovered non-existent GST firms involved in fake dealings.
ED action follows earlier raids, political response expected
Earlier, ED raided Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal’s residence and private university in Jalandhar. While home searches ended, officials continued checking his university. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will address a press conference at 10:30 AM.
Previously, Mann questioned ED raids on AAP leaders and criticised the government. Meanwhile, Sanjeev Arora remains a known businessman running Ritesh Industries Limited. He started operations from Virginia, USA, before entering politics in 2022.
Later, AAP nominated him to Rajya Sabha. Furthermore, he won Ludhiana West seat in February 2025. Additionally, Arora remains close to Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.
