Punjab’s one of the richest ministers and noted industrialist, Sanjeev Arora, is once again under the spotlight after fresh raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) led to new revelations in an ongoing investigation.
On Saturday morning, the ED carried out search operations across multiple locations in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gurugram. The raids covered office premises linked to Hampton Sky Realty Limited as well as residential properties associated with Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora.
According to an IANS report, the minister’s residence in Chandigarh’s Sector 2 witnessed heavy security deployment during the operation, with nearly 20 vehicles involved in the raid. The searches were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
So, what exactly is the case about?
According to ED sources, the agency is investigating an alleged fake GST mobile phone purchase and export racket worth over ₹100 crore. Investigators suspect that bogus transactions were allegedly created using fake GST purchase bills, followed by exports and alleged “round-tripping” of funds between Dubai and India.
The ED claims that fake GST invoices were generated using non-existent firms based in Delhi. These invoices were allegedly used to fraudulently claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), export refunds, and duty drawback benefits.
The agency believes the alleged scam may have caused significant losses to the national exchequer while also leading to personal enrichment for certain individuals involved.
Searches were conducted at several locations across Chandigarh and the Delhi-NCR region, including offices linked to Hampton Sky Realty Limited and properties connected to Sanjeev Arora and his associates.
This is not the first time the ED has taken action in connection with the matter. In April 2026, the agency had also initiated proceedings under FEMA, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, against Arora and linked entities.
During that period, there had been many provisional attachments of bank accounts, DEMAT holdings, and immovable property.
In 2024, Sanjeev Arora had also come to light in a reported case of money laundering involving the misuse of industrial lands for housing developments.
With the present action taken by ED, there have also been political responses from Punjab. Sanjeev Arora has faced accusations from Harpal Singh Cheema, a minister in the Punjab government, of being targeted politically by the BJP.
So far, it has only been confirmed that the present search operations are being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
There are still investigations going on into the finances, false GST transactions, and possible links with money laundering.
Furthermore, it is also significant to mention that there are presently only allegations involved, which have not yet been proven in court.