The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted early morning raids at businesses connected to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and his son in Punjab. This was part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation, officials said. Earlier this month, AAP appointed Ashok Mittal as its new Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader, replacing Raghav Chadha.
ED raids at MP Ashok Mittal properties
Mittal, a 61-year-old businessman and educator, leads the Lovely Group, which includes a university of the same name. Officials mentioned that searches are happening at multiple business locations tied to Mittal in Jalandhar and Phagwara, as well as some other sites.
Actions taken to suspect fund mismanagement
According to ED sources, these actions relate to suspected fund mismanagement involving the university. Reacting strongly, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies for political gain ahead of elections.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the move, claiming that the central government is trying to sway the political situation in Punjab. He asserted that the people of the state strongly oppose such actions.