The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly conducted searches at the campus of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara as part of an ongoing investigation. The action, linked to alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), has drawn attention due to the political connections of the university’s ownership. The development marks a significant escalation in the ED raids Lovely Professional University case.
ED Conducts Multi-Location Searches
According to officials, teams from the ED’s Jalandhar and Chandigarh units carried out coordinated raids early Wednesday morning. These searches targeted multiple business entities associated with the Lovely Group, which owns and operates LPU. Apart from the university campus, officials also conducted searches at sweets shops, automobile businesses, and a distance education centre linked to the group.
The residences of key stakeholders, including AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, were also reportedly covered under the operation. Authorities stated that no assistance from local police was sought during the process. The probe primarily revolves around suspected FEMA violations, though further details remain under wraps. The scale of the operation highlights the seriousness of the ED raids Lovely Professional University investigation.
Political Angle Gains Attention
The raids come just days after Ashok Mittal was elevated to the post of Rajya Sabha deputy leader by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), replacing Raghav Chadha. This timing has intensified political scrutiny around the ED raids Lovely Professional University case.
Mittal, founder and chancellor of LPU, runs the institution along with his brothers Ramesh and Naresh Mittal. He is a law graduate and a chartered accountant by profession, and one of AAP’s seven members in the Rajya Sabha.
While Chadha’s replacement had sparked speculation about internal party dynamics, Mittal had earlier downplayed the shift, calling it a routine organisational change. However, the ED action has now added a fresh layer of controversy to the situation, further amplifying the focus on ED raids Lovely Professional University.
What Happens Next
As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding the financial transactions under scrutiny. The ED is likely to examine documents, digital records, and financial trails linked to the Lovely Group’s operations.
For now, the case remains under active investigation, and no official statement has been released by Ashok Mittal or the AAP regarding the ED raids Lovely Professional University.
FAQs
Q: Why are ED officials raiding Lovely Professional University?
A: The ED raids Lovely Professional University are linked to a probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Q: Who owns Lovely Professional University?
A: The university is owned by the Lovely Group, led by AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal and his brothers.
Q: Are the ED raids limited to the university campus?
A: No, the ED raids Lovely Professional University also include searches at businesses, homes, and other institutions linked to the group.
Q: Did the ED take help from local police during the raids?
A: Officials stated that no local police assistance was taken during the ED raids Lovely Professional University operation.
