High-Profile Money Laundering Probe Casts Shadow Over Punjab Politicians

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into a high-profile money laundering case, summoning key figures in Punjab's power sector and associates of arrested minister Sanjeev Arora. Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. officials Basant Garg and Harsharan Kaur Trehan, along with financial experts Hemant Sood and Chandra Shekhar Aggarwal, are set to face questioning over a Rs 100 crore GST fraud.

Arora, a politician with portfolios in power, industry, and commerce, was apprehended on May 9 following ED raids linked to alleged illicit sales of mobile phones. His arrest prompted a reshuffle of his responsibilities within the AAP-led state government. Meanwhile, a Gurugram court extended his custody amid ongoing investigations into suspect financial transactions through shell companies and benami assets.

Despite efforts to secure additional custody time, the court granted the ED two more days to interrogate Arora and his connections further. As legal processes continue, Arora challenges his detainment in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, adding another layer to this unfolding political and economic saga.

(With inputs from agencies.)