Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the Lovely Group, including the campus of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara.
The group is owned by Ashok Kumar Mittal, who was recently appointed as the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.
Searches linked to FEMA investigation
According to officials, the raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Search operations were carried out by ED teams from Jalandhar and Chandigarh at various premises associated with the Lovely Group. These include the LPU campus, residential properties of the owners, and other business establishments.
An official confirmed that Mittal’s residence was also among the locations being searched. The agency reportedly did not seek assistance from local police during the operation.
Multiple business entities under scanner
Apart from the university, the ED is also examining other entities linked to the group, including educational institutions and commercial establishments.
Searches were conducted at Tetr College of Business and Masters’ Union College of Business in Gurugram, along with other ventures such as sweets shops, automobile businesses, and a distance education centre associated with the Lovely Group.
Officials stated that all premises being covered in the raids are connected to the group’s financial and business operations.
Political developments around Mittal
The ED action comes shortly after Ashok Mittal’s elevation within the AAP. He was recently appointed as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.
Mittal, a chartered accountant and law graduate from Guru Nanak Dev University, is among the AAP’s seven members in the Upper House. Following the leadership change, he had described the transition as routine within the party.
AAP alleges political motive
The raids triggered sharp political reactions, with senior AAP leaders alleging that the action was politically motivated.
Arvind Kejriwal criticised the move, linking it to upcoming elections in Punjab. “Preparations have begun for the Punjab elections, but people will respond strongly,” he said.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also criticised the raids, calling them a “typical” move by the Centre.
The AAP has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using central agencies for political purposes, a charge frequently denied by the government.
Conclusion
The ED raids on properties linked to Ashok Mittal and the Lovely Group have added a fresh political dimension to the ongoing investigation. While the agency continues its probe into alleged FEMA violations, the developments have intensified the political tussle between the AAP and the BJP.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses, with the outcome likely to have both legal and political implications.