AAP protests outside BJP offices in Punjab over ED action against Sanjeev Arora

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged protests outside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district offices across Punjab on Monday following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) arrest of Punjab cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora in a money laundering case. Party workers raised slogans against the BJP and accused the central government of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Tense situations were reported in several locations where AAP and BJP workers gathered during the demonstrations. However, no major clashes or arrests had been officially confirmed at publication time.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the BJP routinely uses agencies such as the ED, CBI and Income Tax Department against opposition leaders ahead of elections. Cheema said similar actions had previously been seen in other states, including West Bengal, and were now being directed at Punjab.

According to court proceedings, a special PMLA court in Gurugram granted the ED seven days’ remand of Arora in connection with an alleged Rs. 100 crore GST fraud-linked money laundering investigation. The agency’s investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.

The case has intensified political tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties and the ruling AAP trading accusations over the use of central agencies. Further court hearings and investigative steps are expected in the coming days.