Punjab, 10 May (H.S.): Gurugram sessions court on Sunday early morning sent Punjab

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora to seven days of Enforcement Directorate (ED)

custody in connection with a Rs 100 crore money laundering case linked to

alleged fraudulent GST transactions.

The ED had sought a 10-day remand after arresting the Aam Aadmi

Party (AAP) leader following day-long raids at multiple locations linked to him

and his business entities in Delhi, Gurugram and Chandigarh under the

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to ED officials, the probe revolves around alleged fake

GST purchases of mobile phones worth more than Rs 100 crore. Investigators

claim fraudulent purchase invoices were generated through non-existent firms

based in Delhi to avail undue input tax credit (ITC), export-linked GST refunds

and duty drawback benefits.

The agency also searched the premises of Hampton Sky Realty

Limited, which is under the scanner in the case. ED officials alleged that the

transactions resulted in substantial losses to the exchequer and were used to

route illegitimate funds.

Arora's lawyer, Arjun said, An application was filed seeking

a 10-day remand, but the court granted seven days. The ED did not conduct a

proper investigation. The agency registered the case on May 5 and arrested him

on the morning of May 9. This is politically motivated and orchestrated.” He further alleged, “We have not received a copy of the FIR.

The court has set May 16 for Arora’s next appearance in the

Gurugram court.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH