Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at the residence and business premises of Ashok Kumar Mittal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, on Wednesday morning. Simultaneous raids were conducted across Jalandhar and Phagwara, targeting his home, institutions, and business establishments.
The operation began around 9 AM, with ED teams arriving from Delhi and cordoning off multiple locations. Police personnel were deployed outside Mittal’s residence, while officials inside examined documents and scrutinized financial transactions.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reacted sharply to the raids, alleging political motives. In a social media post, he accused the BJP of initiating election preparations in Punjab, calling the ED action a “typical Modi style” move and asserting that his party would not be intimidated.
Lovely Group Establishments Under Scanner
ED teams also reached several institutions linked to the Lovely Group, including Lovely Professional University. Other establishments such as Lovely Autos, Lovely Sweets, and Lovely Distance Education Center are reportedly under investigation. Properties linked to the Mittal family, both residential and commercial, are also being searched, with officials examining documents at multiple locations.
According to sources, the raids are part of a probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Investigators are focusing on financial dealings and documents related to foreign funding.
The development comes just days after the Aam Aadmi Party reassigned the role of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha from Raghav Chadha to Ashok Mittal, adding political significance to the timing of the ED action.
Kejriwal Hits Back at BJP
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also criticized the move, stating that the BJP has begun its election campaign in Punjab. He added that the people of the state would not tolerate such actions and promised a strong response from the party.