Chandigarh, 17 May (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its investigation after the arrest of Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora by summoning top Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials and key business associates for questioning.

According to sources, the ED has asked Basant Garg, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), to appear before the agency on Monday. Three others have also been directed to join the investigation, including PSPCL Director (Commercial) Harsharan Kaur Trehan and business partners Hemant Sood and Chandrashekhar.

The case relates to allegations that a private company linked to Arora received the return of a bank guarantee worth several crores through irregular means, allegedly gaining undue financial benefit.

Sources said PSPCL is preparing to hand over all relevant files and records to the ED. Officials are expected to carry the requested documents to the agency’s office.

The matter is reportedly linked to the Hampton Court Business Park project in Ludhiana. In 2023, when Arora was a Rajya Sabha MP, his company, Ritesh Properties and Industries Limited, had applied to PSPCL for an increase in electricity load.

Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court will hear Arora’s petition on Monday, in which he has challenged his arrest and the ED’s action. The court has already heard arguments from Arora’s legal team over the past three days. His lawyers have termed the arrest and related proceedings unlawful.

The ED is expected to present its arguments before the court during the next hearing. Arora has denied all allegations, including accusations related to GST evasion and financial irregularities.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH