A fresh political controversy erupted in Punjab after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations allegedly linked to individuals associated with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Office of Special Duty (OSD). The searches, carried out in Mohali and nearby areas, triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties and intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its rivals.

According to officials and local reports, the federal agency carried out search operations at premises located in the Western Towers residential complex near Kharar in Mohali district. Sources indicated that the raids were connected to persons believed to be close associates of the Punjab Chief Minister’s OSD. The operation reportedly began early in the day and continued for several hours under tight security arrangements.

The development quickly drew statewide attention after claims surfaced that cash-filled bags were allegedly recovered or moved during the course of the operation. While no official confirmation regarding the exact amount of seized cash or documents has yet been released by investigating authorities, the incident has fueled intense political debate across Punjab.

Opposition parties wasted no time in targeting the AAP government over the raids. Leaders from rival political groups accused the ruling dispensation of hypocrisy, alleging that the party’s repeated claims of “clean politics” were being contradicted by recurring corruption-related controversies. 

Senior opposition leaders alleged that individuals close to the state leadership were now under the scanner of central agencies over suspected financial irregularities and hawala-linked transactions. They also claimed that the ED probe could potentially uncover a larger network involving money laundering and undisclosed financial dealings.

The Shiromani Akali Dal strongly criticized the Punjab government and demanded complete transparency regarding the individuals being investigated. Opposition figures asserted that the raids had exposed what they described as “deep-rooted corruption” within the ruling establishment.

Meanwhile, AAP leaders accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government of using central agencies as political tools to target opposition-ruled states. Party representatives claimed that investigative agencies were being weaponized ahead of future elections in Punjab.

The latest raids come amid an already tense political environment in Punjab, where the AAP government has repeatedly accused central agencies of selectively targeting opposition leaders. In recent weeks, ED actions involving Punjab political figures had already become a major point of confrontation between the state government and the Centre.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier alleged that agencies such as the ED and CBI were being misused to intimidate leaders belonging to non-BJP parties. He had publicly claimed that such actions were politically motivated and aimed at weakening opposition governments before upcoming elections.

Political observers believe the current developments may further deepen the conflict between the Punjab government and the central administration, especially as both sides continue to accuse each other of corruption, intimidation, and misuse of power.

Sources familiar with the investigation stated that the ED teams searched a flat located on the ninth floor of the residential complex. Reports also suggested that suspicious financial documents and cash transactions may be under examination as part of the probe.

While the agency has not officially disclosed the precise nature of the case, preliminary indications suggest that investigators are examining possible financial misconduct and money trail connections. Authorities are also expected to scrutinize digital evidence, transaction records, and communication details recovered during the raids.

Security personnel remained deployed in and around the residential complex throughout the operation to prevent disturbances and restrict unauthorized access.

As of now, no arrests have been officially confirmed in connection with the raids. However, political circles in Punjab expect the investigation to widen in the coming days if additional evidence emerges.

The controversy arrives at a politically sensitive moment for Punjab. With electoral calculations already beginning to shape political narratives in the state, the ED raids are expected to become a major campaign issue for both the ruling AAP and opposition parties.

Analysts suggest that the matter could significantly influence public discourse surrounding governance, corruption, and political accountability in Punjab. Opposition parties are likely to intensify their attacks on the Mann government, while AAP is expected to continue portraying the raids as politically motivated action orchestrated by the Centre.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing friction between opposition-led state governments and federal investigative agencies, a trend that has increasingly shaped political battles across India in recent years.