Chandigarh, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday questioned the Enforcement Directorate’s action at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), alleging that the agency’s investigation originated from a CBI FIR concerning an alleged bank fraud involving Tirupati Infra Projects and did not name GMADA as an accused.
AAP alleged that the ED used the bank-fraud case as a basis to search GMADA offices and remove documents and electronic data. The party described the action as politically motivated and said it would pursue legal remedies over any alleged unlawful conduct during the operation.
The ED has said its money-laundering investigation stems from a CBI FIR alleging a Rs 238-crore bank fraud involving promoters of Tirupati Infra Projects. The agency conducted searches and surveys at 26 premises across Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, including GMADA and the Punjab Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The agency has also alleged irregularities involving GMADA, including an alleged waiver of statutory dues worth around Rs 57 crore in favour of a developer and alleged manipulation of reserve prices of unsold land before auctions. The ED has estimated the alleged loss to GMADA and the Punjab government at nearly Rs 10,000 crore. These are allegations under investigation and have not been established by a court.
AAP rejected the ED’s allegations and said the more than 50-hour operation had failed to establish any wrongdoing by GMADA. It accused the BJP-led Central government of using a central agency to disrupt the functioning of a Punjab government authority.
The party also rejected ED claims concerning AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain. The ED has alleged that the two held unofficial meetings with GMADA officials concerning master plans, auctions, land acquisition and compensation, with key decisions allegedly being taken under Jain’s instructions. AAP termed these allegations false, baseless and politically motivated.
AAP said the Punjab Government would examine the entire operation and take legal action against anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct.
The political dispute also follows the Punjab Government’s move before the Punjab and Haryana High Court during the ED operation. A court-appointed warrant officer inspected the premises, while the government subsequently withdrew its petition. Reports on the inspection said officials told the warrant officer that they were not illegally detained and had access to food, medical facilities and communication with their families.
AAP linked the GMADA controversy to what it described as a broader pattern of Centre-Punjab disputes, citing issues including the farm laws, Chandigarh, Panjab University and the Bhakra Beas Management Board. The party said the Bhagwant Mann government would not be intimidated by central-agency action.
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