Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 15: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in connection with a probe under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Officials said raids were conducted at 8–9 locations across Punjab and Gurugram, including Jalandhar and Phagwara. The searches covered business establishments, residences, and a farmhouse linked to Mittal and his family. Premises associated with his son and other relatives, including his brothers Ramesh Mittal and Naresh Mittal, were also searched.

The action focused on entities of the Lovely Group, headed by Mittal, including Lovely Professional University, Lovely Autos, Lovely Sweets and the Lovely Distance Education Centre. ED teams were also present at the LPU campus in Jalandhar, examining documents and financial records.

Sources said the investigation pertains to suspected irregularities in financial transactions and fund flows, particularly involving foreign exchange and cross-border dealings, under FEMA provisions.

Mittal, a businessman-turned-politician, was recently appointed deputy leader of the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.

The raids triggered a sharp political reaction, with the Aam Aadmi Party alleging misuse of central agencies ahead of elections. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of targeting opposition leaders in Punjab, asserting that voters would respond strongly.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh also criticised the move, claiming it reflected a pattern of agency action before polls and would not yield political dividends for the ruling party.

The ED, however, maintained that the searches are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged FEMA violations.