Aman Arora Accuses ED Of Defamation After Punjab Realty Raid Statement

Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State President Aman Arora has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of defaming him after his name was mentioned in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to a real estate fraud case. Arora said the agency attempted to tarnish his reputation by describing a businessman under investigation as his “close associate,” a claim he strongly denied.

The ED conducted raids on Thursday across multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh as part of an ongoing probe into alleged money laundering involving realty groups accused of fraudulent land-use changes and cheating investors. The searches covered around a dozen premises linked to projects such as Suntec City, ABS Townships, Altus Space Builders, and Dhir Constructions. Officials said the investigation falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to the agency, businessman Gaurav Dhir of Dhir Constructions allegedly acquired the Altus project through Suncity Projects for around ₹130 crore, which the ED claims involved “undervaluation” of assets. In one of its statements, the agency reportedly described Dhir as a “close associate” of senior AAP leader Aman Arora, a remark that triggered the minister’s strong reaction.

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Arora, however, said he was shocked by the ED’s reference to his name and alleged that it was added later to the official statement to damage his political image. He pointed out that the initial ED communication did not mention him or Dhir, but a revised version issued shortly after included the reference to their alleged association. He demanded an independent probe into the agency’s statement-making process.

Clarifying his position, Arora said he had no business dealings with Gaurav Dhir, though he acknowledged knowing him personally for over two decades. He also stated that he had never been involved in any unlawful activity in his political career, which began in 1991. Arora further said he was hearing the names of several other individuals linked to the case, including Suresh Kumar Bajaj and Ajay Sehgal, for the first time during media reports of the raids.

Raising further questions, the minister accused the ED of selective reporting, pointing out that while it highlighted his alleged association with Dhir, it did not mention a reported political donation of ₹2.5 lakh made to the BJP by one of the individuals under investigation. Arora alleged that central agencies were being misused for political targeting in opposition-ruled states and called it an attempt to pressure rival parties.

Arora said he was ready to cooperate fully with any investigation and even offered to submit his mobile phone for forensic examination if required. He also reiterated that he was not afraid of central agencies and accused political opponents of attempting to intimidate AAP leaders. The ED has not yet issued a detailed response to Arora’s allegations, while the investigation into the real estate-linked money laundering case remains ongoing.

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