Punjab: former Congress Minister Ashu Faces ED raids in money laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Thursday at various locations in Ludhiana and nearby areas, targeting former Punjab cabinet minister and Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu. These raids are part of a money laundering investigation being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Approximately 10 premises were searched during these operations, accompanied by a security escort from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Notably, the ED extended its probe to locations associated with close associates of the former minister, including former Ludhiana Improvement Trust chairman Raman Subramanian and former municipal councillor Sunny Bhalla.

Alleged irregularities and kickbacks

The ED's investigation into Bharat Bhushan Ashu, a prominent Congress politician, revolves around allegations of irregularities and suspicions of receiving kickbacks through intermediaries. These alleged irregularities are related to the compromise of tenders for food procurement and transportation, particularly regarding their quality and conditions.

The basis for the PMLA case lies in an FIR filed by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, which also led to Ashu's previous arrest. However, he was subsequently granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

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The Vigilance Bureau's case against Ashu pertains to irregularities in the allotment of tenders for labor, cartage, and transportation associated with the lifting of foodgrains in Ludhiana.

Bharat Bhushan Ashu's profile

Bharat Bhushan Ashu, a former minister for food, civil supplies, and consumer affairs, holds the position of working president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC). In summary, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving former Congress minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu. The inquiry centers on alleged irregularities in food procurement and transportation tenders, along with concerns about the quality and conditions of these contracts. These developments are an extension of the case initiated by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau and Ashu's prior arrest in connection with the same matter.

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