Raghav Chadha’s Replacement, AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Premises Raided By ED In FEMA Probe Across Punjab, Haryana

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal in Punjab and Haryana.

The action is part of an ongoing investigation related to alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The raids have triggered political reactions, with AAP leaders calling it targeted action ahead of upcoming elections.

Raids Conducted at Multiple Locations

According to officials, the ED conducted searches at around 10 locations connected to Ashok Mittal. These included both residential and business premises.

The raids were carried out in Jalandhar and Gurugram, covering institutions associated with the Lovely Professional University (LPU) group.

Searches were also conducted at educational institutions such as Tetr College of Business and Masters' Union College of Business in Gurugram.

Probe Linked to Foreign Exchange Violations

The ED said the action is being taken under FEMA, which deals with foreign exchange-related violations.

Officials stated that the investigation is focused on possible irregularities in foreign transactions. However, detailed findings are yet to be shared, as the searches were still ongoing at the time of reporting.

A full statement from the agency is expected after the operation concludes.

Who Is Ashok Mittal?

Ashok Kumar Mittal is a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party and the founder and chancellor of Lovely Professional University, one of India's largest private universities.
He joined the AAP in 2022 and was elected to the Upper House the same year. Recently, he was appointed as the party's Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.

Mittal is also known for promoting education initiatives, including scholarship programmes that support students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Political Reactions from AAP

The raids quickly drew strong reactions from AAP leaders.
AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the action is politically motivated and linked to preparations for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also criticised the move, accusing the BJP of targeting opposition leaders. He said such actions would not weaken the party and asserted that the people of Punjab would respond strongly.

ED Yet to Release Detailed Findings

Officials confirmed that the searches began early in the morning and covered several premises linked to the same university group.

As of now, no official details about the outcome of the raids have been released. Authorities are expected to provide more information once the investigation progresses.

Focus on Upcoming Elections

The development comes at a time when Punjab is preparing for Assembly elections next year, adding a political dimension to the case.

While the ED maintains that the action is part of a legal investigation, opposition parties have raised concerns over the timing of the raids.

The probe is still underway, and further details are awaited. The case is likely to remain in focus as both legal and political developments unfold in the coming days.