1 hr ago
ED holds Punjab officials in prolonged GMADA search amid claims
The Enforcement Directorate searched the GMADA office in Mohali for more than two days.
Eight senior officials stayed inside while the search was happening.
Investigators looked at papers, computers, servers and mobile phones.
They also took some documents and electronic devices.
The ED said two AAP leaders, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia, gave informal instructions about GMADA decisions.
The agency also alleged that the matter involved very large sums of money and hawala transactions.
AAP said these accusations were false and politically motivated.
The Punjab government went to the Punjab and Haryana High Court after the long search.
The court’s final decision was not reported in the article.
The Enforcement Directorate’s search at GMADA headquarters in Mohali lasted over 50 hours.
Eight senior GMADA officials remained inside the premises during the operation.
ED scanned documents, servers, computers and devices, cloned officials’ phones, and seized materials.
The agency alleged Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia influenced GMADA decisions through unofficial meetings.
AAP rejected the allegations as false and politically motivated; Punjab approached the High Court.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, eight GMADA officials, AAP, Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia were involved in the reported developments.
- What
- The ED conducted a more than 50-hour search and survey, examined electronic systems and documents, and alleged unofficial influence over GMADA decisions.
- Where
- The operation took place at GMADA headquarters in the PUDA Bhawan building in Mohali, Punjab.
- When
- The operation began around Tuesday noon and concluded Thursday afternoon.
- Why
- The ED said it was investigating alleged improper influence over auctions, acquisitions, compensation decisions and related financial transactions.
ED allegations
AAP response
Role of AAP leaders
ED allegations
The ED said Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia regularly held unofficial meetings with GMADA officials and that key decisions were taken under Jain’s instructions.
AAP response
AAP said neither Jain nor Sisodia had any role in GMADA’s projects, functioning or official matters.
Financial wrongdoing
ED allegations
The ED’s counsel described the matter as a scandal worth hundreds of crores and alleged hawala transactions.
AAP response
AAP rejected the broader accusations as false, baseless and politically motivated.
Government response
ED allegations
ED counsel Satya Pal Jain accused the Punjab government of trying to shield the main accused.
AAP response
AAP said the Bhagwant Mann government would take strong legal action against illegal conduct during the operation and would not remain silent.
Key facts
- Agency
- Enforcement Directorate, Jalandhar zone
- Location
- GMADA headquarters, PUDA Bhawan, Mohali
- Operation length
- Over 50 hours
- Officials involved
- Eight senior GMADA officials
- Materials examined
- Documents, servers, computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices
- ED allegation
- Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia held unofficial meetings with GMADA officials
- AAP response
- The allegations were described as false, baseless and politically motivated
Quotes
Enforcement Directorate
India’s central financial investigation agency conducting the GMADA searches
“searches have revealed that AAP leaders Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia have been regularly holding unofficial meeting with GMADA officials regarding the master plans and site auctions. Critical decisions including fresh auctions and acquisitions by GMADA as well as determination of compensation were all taken informally under the instructions of Jain”
indianexpress.com
“The reports are completely false, baseless and politically motivated. Neither Sisodia nor Jain has any role in GMADA’s projects, functioning or official matters. Their role in Punjab is purely political, and they have no involvement in GMADA’s functioning or projects.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Related news
Punjab ED Searches Trigger Court Intervention and AAP Protests
ED Search At Mohali Development Authority Fuels Punjab Political Row
ED Searches Punjab Offices Over Alleged GMADA Money-Laundering Scams
AAP Workers Protest ED Raids At GMADA Office In Mohali
Punjab Withdraws Detention Plea After GMADA ED Search Ends
Punjab HC Chief Justice Appointment Sparks Centre-State Dispute
Mishra Takes Oath as Punjab-Haryana Chief Justice Amid Dispute
HC reviews consultant appointment for development plan
