ED raids premises of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in FEMA probe
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Ashok Mittal had recently replaced Raghav Chadha as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha
Jalandhar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 8–9 locations on Wednesday linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, a 61-year-old businessman heading the Lovely Group—including Lovely Professional University (LPU)—who recently replaced Raghav Chadha as the party's deputy leader in the Upper House.
Searches spanned Punjab (Jalandhar, Phagwara) and Gurugram, targeting business premises, residences, and a farmhouse tied to Mittal, his son, brothers Ramesh and Naresh Mittal, and other family members.
ED teams scrutinised key group arms: LPU, Lovely Autos, Lovely Sweets, and Lovely Distance Education Centre. At the LPU campus in Jalandhar, officials examined documents and financial records amid allegations of irregularities in foreign exchange transactions and cross-border fund flows. The probe falls under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
AAP leaders decried the action as pre-election harassment. National convener Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of "preparing for elections in Punjab," predicting a voter backlash. Sanjay Singh called it a recycled tactic against opposition figures.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann echoed this on X: "BJP begins preparations for Punjab elections. ED raids at the home and university of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal typical Modi style." AAP Punjab president Aman Arora tied it to Chadha's replacement, claiming: "If we do 2+2, it gives an indication that this is linked with him (Raghav Chadha). Whoever stands against BJP, action begins," and dismissed the case as baseless like prior ones against party leaders.
The raids coincide with Punjab Assembly elections due early next year.