ED raids GMADA: Scuffle breaks out as AAP protests against probe, alleges political pressure; ED concludes raids after 36 hours
PTC News Desk: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday gheraoed the Greater Mohali Development Authority (GMADA) office, where the Enforcement Directorate was conducting searches since Tuesday morning. A massive scuffle broke out outside the GMADA office as the AAP workers attempted to forcefully enter the building and raised slogans against the BJP.
The Aam Aadmi Party also deemed the raids by the central agency as political vendetta aimed at putting pressure on the Punjab government ahead of the Assembly elections.
The protest was led by AAP state working president Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, MLA Chetan Singh Jouramajra and S S Ahluwalia. AAP workers carried placards and raised slogans against the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). When the protesters tried to enter the office, Mohali police stopped them. The windows of some ED vehicles were also allegedly damaged during the protest.
The protest ended around 12.55 pm, shortly before the ED concluded its 50-hour-long operation at 1.20 pm. The action has increased the political tension between the ruling AAP in Punjab and the BJP-led Centre, especially with the state heading towards elections.
Also Read: GMADA ED raids: High court appoints warrant officer to monitor searches on Punjab’s plea
AAP questioned the ED searches at the GMADA office and claimed that the agency had not found anything significant despite the lengthy operation. The party also raised questions about the timing and manner of the searches, alleging that the BJP-led central government was using the agency to pressure government officials.
Thursday was the third and final day of the ED's search operation at the GMADA office. During the operation, officials examined files linked to alleged money laundering, changes in land use and land acquisition. They also checked documents related to a recent proposal to raise a Rs 15,000-crore loan through a merchant banker.
The ED concluded its investigation on Thursday afternoon. However it has not been made whether the agency found any incriminating material or not.
ED raids continued for three days
The searches are linked to a wider money-laundering probe involving Tirupati Infraprojects and other companies and their dealings with GMADA.
Meanwhile, the central agency also carried out a search at the residence of Gurpreet Singh Prince, nephew of Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, in Ludhiana, according to information available at the time of publication.
The exact reason for the search at Prince’s residence has not been officially disclosed so far. It is also not clear whether any material or documents were seized from the premises.
- PTC NEWS
