Bharat Bhushan Ashu amassed wealth through fake entities, bought properties in family members' names: ED
PTC Web Desk: Former Punjab Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday during an inquiry into the Punjab tender scam. The ED has obtained a five-day remand for Ashu, and he will now be presented in court on August 7.
ED officials have revealed the details of their interrogation with Bharat Bhushan Ashu. As per the investigations, Bharat Bhushan Ashu allegedly laundered proceeds of crime (POC) through multiple fake entities, purchasing properties in his name and in the names of his family members. The ED is now scrutinising Ashu’s close aides. Besides, the ED has found foreign transactions linked to Ashu and his associates’ accounts.
Prior to Ashu's arrest, the ED had conducted search operations on August 24, 2023, September 4, 2023, and September 6, 2023, at 24 locations in Ludhiana, Mohali, Nawanshahr, and Chandigarh (Punjab), targeting the residential premises of Bharat Bhushan Ashu and his associates.
During these raids, cash was seized, and funds in bank accounts were frozen. Assets, including gold jewelry and gold coins, were also confiscated. The total value of seized and frozen assets exceeded Rs 8.46 crore.
Notably, the labour transportation tender scam involved accused parties using fake number plates on vehicles in grain markets. They registered incorrect vehicle numbers with the department before securing tenders. Investigations revealed that these numbers belonged to scooters, bikes, and other two-wheelers, which are not authorised for goods transportation.
Two months ago, transport owners and contractors accused then-Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu of favouritism and embezzlement amounting to crores of rupees. Following the investigation, the Vigilance authorities filed an FIR and started arrests. Ashu faces allegations of involvement in a tendering scam worth Rs 2,000 crore.
- With inputs from our correspondent
