2 hrs ago
AAP Workers Protest ED Raids At GMADA Office In Mohali
The Enforcement Directorate searched offices and homes in Punjab as part of a money laundering investigation.
One place searched was the GMADA office in Mohali.
Aam Aadmi Party workers protested against the searches.
They shouted slogans against the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate.
Some protesters pushed past police barriers and entered the office complex.
Reports said an official vehicle was damaged and some office window glass was broken.
The AAP said the searches were meant to pressure its government and political leaders.
The investigation began on Tuesday and continued until Thursday afternoon.
AAP workers protested Enforcement Directorate searches at the GMADA office in Mohali.
Protesters pushed through police barricades, while clashes and alleged property damage were reported.
The ED probe concerns GMADA, an IAS officer, a Delhi-based realty company, and residences linked to political figures.
AAP accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing central agencies to target opponents before Punjab assembly polls.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said Punjab would not be intimidated by the searches.
- Who
- AAP workers led by Punjab AAP working president Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi protested against the Enforcement Directorate.
- What
- They protested ED searches linked to a money laundering investigation, with clashes, alleged vehicle damage, and broken office glass reported.
- Where
- At the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office in Mohali, Punjab.
- When
- The searches began on Tuesday and continued until Thursday afternoon; the protest took place on Thursday.
- Why
- The AAP said the BJP-led Centre was misusing central agencies to target political opponents and disrupt the Punjab government's functioning.
AAP and Punjab Government
Enforcement Directorate and Central Authorities
Purpose of the searches
AAP and Punjab Government
AAP says the searches represent misuse of central agencies to pressure political opponents and interfere with the Bhagwant Mann government's functioning.
Enforcement Directorate and Central Authorities
The Enforcement Directorate conducted the searches as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving GMADA and other linked locations.
Political context
AAP and Punjab Government
AAP says the BJP-led Centre is using investigative agencies ahead of Punjab assembly polls because it cannot challenge the state's welfare schemes politically.
Enforcement Directorate and Central Authorities
The reported agency action is presented as an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing; the articles do not provide a detailed public response from the ED or BJP.
Key facts
- Investigation
- The Enforcement Directorate is conducting a money laundering probe.
- Search locations
- Locations included GMADA offices, an IAS officer's office, a Delhi-based realty company, and residences linked to political figures.
- Protest leader
- Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Punjab AAP working president.
- Reported damage
- An SUV linked to ED officials allegedly had its windshield damaged and tyres deflated; GMADA office window glass was also damaged.
- Police response
- Punjab Police deployed a heavy force, and Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma reviewed the situation.
- AAP allegation
- AAP accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to intimidate political opponents and obstruct state welfare schemes.
- Government response
- Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemned the searches and said Punjab would not be intimidated.
Quotes
Aam Aadmi Party
Punjab's ruling political party, which accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing central agencies
“The BJP is unable to stop the welfare schemes through political means, so attempts are now being made to create administrative pressure and obstacles. The people of Punjab will not allow these tactics to succeed.”
rediff.com
Sources
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