ED Raids LPU, Other Properties Linked to Ashok Mittal Days After AAP MP Replaces Raghav Chadha in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted raids at multiple premises linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal in connection with an alleged violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

According to reports, searches are being carried out at around 8 to 10 locations, including premises in Punjab and Gurugram, as well as Mittal’s residence and farmhouse, along with properties linked to his son.

‘Larger Education Scam’ Angle Under Probe

ED teams have also reached the premises of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, which is run by Mittal.

According to sources, searches are also being conducted at institutions linked to the same group, including educational establishments in Gurugram.

Officials said the action is part of a broader probe into alleged financial irregularities and foreign exchange violations.

Authorities are also probing what is being described as a larger network of “new-age universities” allegedly linked to foreign funding and financial discrepancies.

Sources suggest that the investigation is not limited to a single institution but could be part of a broader probe into alleged irregularities in private universities offering specialised courses.

The ED is reportedly examining whether funds collected, particularly from NRI students, were properly accounted for and in compliance with regulatory norms.

Alleged FEMA Violations

According to reports, the raids are linked to alleged irregularities involving foreign collaborations and advanced technology tie-ups.

Investigators are reportedly examining:

• Fees collected from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Alleged unaccounted cash transactions
• Possible violations of UGC guidelines in certain courses
• Allocation and utilisation of funds within the institutions

AAP Leaders Slam Raids, Says 'BJP Preparing for Punjab Polls'

The raids have triggered sharp political reactions from AAP leaders.

Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Centre of politically motivated actions ahead of the upcoming elections.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also questioned the timing of the raids, calling it a “typical” move.

Further, senior leader Manish Sisodia alleged that central agencies were being used as a political tool before elections.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh said the issue would be raised in Parliament, accusing the Centre of misusing investigative agencies.

Ashok Kumar Mittal Replaces Raghav Chadha

Mittal was recently appointed as the deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.

He has been a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab since April 2022, and he is part of several parliamentary committees, including those on defence and finance.

The ED has not issued any official statement yet at the time of writing this report. Further details are awaited.