Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday questioned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Raman Arora in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to disproportionate assets case and as directed by central agency Raman Arora appeared before ED officials at agency's office in Jalandhar on June 2.
A video of his arrival at ED office has also surfaced and in the video officials can be seen collecting and placing his mobile phone and other personal belongings into a box before questioning process began.
According to officials ED investigation is based on a case earlier registered by Punjab Vigilance Bureau against sitting MLA. Raman Arora who represents Jalandhar Central constituency in Punjab Legislative Assembly and ED has initiated a money laundering probe using Vigilance Bureau FIR as basis for its investigation.
Officials had issued a summons to Arora directing him to join investigation and appear before agency on June 2 and during his appearance his statement was to be recorded under provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and this Vigilance Bureau case relates to allegations that Raman Arora possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income and according to investigation conducted by Vigilance Bureau alleged disproportionate assets amounted to around ₹1.10 crore.
Following his arrest in that case Arora was remanded to five days of police custody for further investigation.
In its chargesheet Punjab Vigilance Bureau accused MLA of being involved in extorting money from shops and other commercial establishments in Jalandhar and the chargesheet alleged that Arora along with Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Sukhdev Vashisht was involved in issuing illegal notices to property owners.
According to allegations made by Vigilance Bureau these notices threatened building owners with sealing and demolition actions and it was further alleged that illegal bribes were demanded from property owners in exchange for withdrawing the notices or resolving cases.
ED is now examining whether any proceeds of crime were generated from alleged activities and whether the case attracts provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Apart from Vigilance Bureau case Raman Arora had also faced an extortion case registered by Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on August 23 last year however a court in Jalandhar later granted him bail on September 22.
The questioning by Enforcement Directorate is part of ongoing investigation and the agency is expected to examine allegations and related financial transactions in detail and further action if any will depend on the findings of the investigation.
And as of now the matter remains under investigation and no conclusions have been announced by ED at this stage.
