'Corruption Taking Place Right Under CM's Nose': Punjab Congress Chief Warring Questions ED Timing of Punjab Raids

Warring Questions Timing of ED Searches

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on September 25 questioned the timing of recent Enforcement Directorate searches in the state.

Warring alleged that corruption had taken place across government departments “right under the nose” of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He also questioned why the ED had become active at this stage, particularly with the Punjab Assembly elections approaching.

Warring said he had never given a “clean chit” to any central agency and maintained that allegations of corruption should be investigated thoroughly.

ED Conducts Searches Across Punjab

The ED recently conducted searches and surveys at 26 locations across Delhi, Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ludhiana.

The operation included searches at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority headquarters and the Punjab government's Housing and Urban Development Department. The agency said the action was part of a money-laundering investigation connected to Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd and associated companies.

The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

What the ED Is Investigating

According to the ED, its investigation covers alleged irregularities involving land acquisition, property transactions, land-use changes, GMADA auctions and compensation payments.

The agency has also alleged that manipulation of reserve prices for unsold GMADA land could have caused a potential loss of nearly ₹10,000 crore to GMADA and the Punjab government. The ED has described this as a potential loss under investigation; the figure does not by itself establish that the entire alleged loss actually occurred.

The agency is also examining an alleged waiver of statutory dues and penal interest involving a private developer. The ED has estimated the benefit from the alleged waiver at between ₹40 crore and ₹57 crore.

Tirupati Infraprojects Case

The ED's action originated from a money-laundering investigation linked to Tirupati Infraprojects and related entities.

News reports citing the agency said the underlying investigation includes an alleged bank fraud involving the company. The ED subsequently expanded its inquiry to examine possible links between the private entities and decisions involving GMADA.

The agency has said its investigation is continuing and that electronic devices and other material were seized during the searches.

Allegations Involving GMADA Officials

The ED has also alleged that certain GMADA officials were involved in irregularities connected with land acquisition, auctions and other decisions.

The agency has further alleged that AAP leaders Satyendar Jain and Manish Sisodia held unofficial meetings with GMADA officials concerning master plans, auctions, land acquisition and compensation.

These are allegations made by the investigating agency and do not by themselves establish criminal liability against the individuals named. The AAP has rejected the allegations involving Jain and Sisodia as false and politically motivated.

AAP Questions ED's Timing

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party has also questioned the timing of the ED action, linking it to the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.

AAP leaders have accused the Centre of using central investigative agencies to put political pressure on the Punjab government. The party has also claimed that the searches did not uncover incriminating material, while the ED has not publicly confirmed that claim.

The political dispute has therefore involved both the Congress and AAP, although the two parties have different political positions in Punjab.

Punjab Government Approaches High Court

The prolonged searches also resulted in legal proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The Punjab government had alleged that senior officials were being illegally confined during the ED operation. The High Court appointed a warrant officer to inspect the premises and submit a report.

The inspection took place in the early hours of September 24. The legal intervention added another dimension to the dispute over the manner in which the searches were being conducted.

Warring's Broader Corruption Allegations

Warring has previously accused the Punjab government of failing to address corruption and has questioned allegations involving government officials and people close to the state administration.

In his latest remarks, he said he was not opposed to investigations by central agencies but questioned why action was being taken at a time when the state was approaching an election.

His comments represent the Punjab Congress's political position and are not an independent finding regarding corruption within the state government.

Political Debate Intensifies Ahead of Punjab Polls

The ED searches have become a major political issue in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

The AAP has accused the BJP-led Centre of political interference, while opposition parties have raised questions about governance and corruption in the state. The ED, meanwhile, is pursuing its investigation into alleged money laundering and irregularities connected with private companies and GMADA-related transactions.

The competing claims are likely to remain part of the political debate as the investigation progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring questioned the timing of recent ED searches in Punjab.

• Warring alleged that corruption was taking place under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's watch.

• He questioned why the ED became active ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

• The ED conducted searches at 26 locations across Punjab, Chandigarh and nearby areas.

• The investigation is linked to Tirupati Infraprojects and alleged money laundering.

• The ED is examining alleged irregularities involving GMADA land, auctions, acquisition and compensation.

• The agency has alleged a potential loss of nearly ₹10,000 crore linked to manipulation of reserve prices, an allegation still under investigation.

• AAP has rejected allegations involving its leaders and accused the Centre of using investigative agencies for political pressure.

• The Punjab government also approached the High Court over the manner of the searches.