Punjab Newsline | New Delhi/Jalandhar
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at the residence and office of prominent tax lawyer Amit Bajaj in Jalandhar on Tuesday morning, triggering fresh political controversy in Punjab. The searches began around 8:30 a.m. at his residence in New Jawahar Nagar and his nearby office.
The development comes amid strong criticism from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the ED of targeting Punjab’s traders. In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal claimed that the agency was conducting raids on Hindu businessmen and harassing small traders. He urged the business community not to panic, assuring them that the Punjab government stands with them.
According to preliminary information, Amit Bajaj is a well-known legal expert handling Income Tax, GST, and VAT matters for several leading industrialists and business groups in the city. He is also reportedly associated with the Municipal Corporation as a contractor.
Sources said the ED is investigating alleged irregularities related to investments and tax filings involving several businessmen represented by Bajaj. The agency suspects large-scale discrepancies in financial transactions and taxation records, prompting simultaneous searches at his residence and office.
The ED has not yet issued an official statement regarding the ongoing operation, while the raids have intensified the political debate over the agency’s actions in Punjab.
