ED summons AAP MLA from Moga Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora on Nov 25 in money laundering case
Earlier, on November 4, the ED conducted searches at seven locations linked to the MLA, her husband and their associates. The operation continued for nearly 36 hours.
PTC News Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Moga, in connection with a money laundering case. She has been asked to appear at the agency's Chandigarh office on November 25 with documents related to the properties under investigation.
Earlier, on November 4, the ED conducted searches at seven locations linked to the MLA, her husband and their associates. The operation continued for nearly 36 hours.
The ED alleges that the MLA transferred land belonging to government bodies, corporations and religious institutions in the names of people close to her. The agency has also alleged that over Rs 1 crore in compensation was fraudulently obtained in connection with land acquired for a national highway project.
The MLA, however, has alleged that the ED pressured her to join the BJP.
On November 4, a team from the ED's Chandigarh Zonal Office began searches at around 6 am at locations linked to the MLA. These included her residence in Moga, a flat in Icon Heights, properties associated with her husband, Dr Rakesh Arora, and other associates, as well as a de-addiction centre linked to her husband.
The searches concluded on November 6 after nearly 36 hours. The MLA was present at her residence during the operation. After the searches ended, her supporters celebrated by bursting firecrackers.
The MLA alleged that during questioning, the agency pressured her to join the BJP and even offered her a ministerial position. She denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
Key findings alleged by the ED
Land allegedly transferred into relatives' names: The ED claims that revenue records were manipulated and property-related documents were prepared to transfer the land into the names of the MLA's relatives and other associates. The agency is investigating these properties as suspected proceeds of crime.
Over Rs 1 crore in compensation allegedly obtained fraudulently: The case also involves government land in Adharmaan village of Moga. The allegation is that revenue records were manipulated to secure compensation exceeding Rs 1 crore for land acquired for National Highway 754-A.
Money deposited in Dilkush Kumari's bank account: The ED's investigation reportedly found that the compensation amount was deposited into the bank account of a woman named Dilkush Kumari. The account was subsequently frozen by the bank. The agency alleges that the MLA, her husband and other associates played a role in transferring and misappropriating the funds.
Suspected cash payment for residential property: The investigation has also uncovered a residential property purchase in Moga. The ED suspects that unaccounted cash may have been used for the transaction and is examining the related financial dealings and property documents.
Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora has confirmed receiving the ED summons. She said she has been asked to appear on November 25 and submit documents related to the properties.
Earlier, she had alleged that during the searches, the central agency pressured her to join the BJP and offered her a ministerial position. The MLA has denied any irregularities in the matter.