The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched a series of raids in various locations across Punjab, including the residences and offices linked to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) MLA from Mohali Kulwant Singh. These raids are part of an intensive investigation into a money laundering case with alleged ties to drug trafficking.
The ED's extensive operation covers about two dozen locations in Mohali, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. Alongside their efforts, central paramilitary forces personnel have been deployed to ensure the smooth execution of the probe.
Kulwant Singh, who holds the distinction of being the wealthiest Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Punjab, boasting assets worth a staggering Rs 1,000 crore, has been under the radar of law enforcement agencies. His journey through politics has been marked by twists and turns, including affiliations with the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, before his entry into the AAP in December 2021. He subsequently secured a ticket and clinched a seat in the 2022 Punjab assembly elections.
The ED’s operation has been initiated in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It stems from an initial First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Punjab Police, focusing on a narcotics and drug trafficking case.
Notably, Kulwant Singh had recently come under scrutiny when Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit urged the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take stern action against the MLA’s real estate company. The Governor's concerns pertained to allegations that two projects owned by Kulwant Singh's company, Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL), had violated environmental regulations.
As ED officials delved into the investigation, they arrived at Kulwant Singh’s residence in Sector 71, Mohali. The search commenced at approximately 7:15 am, with seven officials and CRPF personnel participating in the operation. Curiously, the MLA was absent from his residence during the search, and the back entry was securely locked, leaving questions about his whereabouts unanswered.
The unfolding drama has also triggered political ripples in the state. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia in his post on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that the ED’s action was connected to a liquor scam affecting both Delhi and Punjab.
Majithia, in his post, stated, “ED has raided AAP MLA Kulwant Singh in connection with liquor scam of Delhi and Punjab. After summoning Delhi CM and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, now ED has started working on Punjab link of this liquor scam. This exercise is necessary to expose Rs 550 crore corruption done in Punjab Excise scam in which CM Bhagwant Mann, Harpal Cheema, are main culprits and main beneficiary is Aam Aadmi Party.”
