The Enforcement Directorate (ED) took action against Punjab wealthiest legislator AAP MLA Kulwant Singh under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with drug trafficking case. ED officials conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab including Singh’s residence in Sector 71, Mohali, along with places in Mohali, Amritsar and Ludhiana. Central paramilitary forces accompanied them during these operations.
Kulwant Singh’s Political Ups and Downs
Kulwant Singh, who joined AAP in December 2021 and won a seat in the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, is valued at ₹1,000 crore, making him the state’s richest MLA. Previously, he served as the first mayor of the Mohali municipal corporation House in 2015 with Congress’s support and later joined the Shiromani Akali Dal in 2017. He was expelled from SAD in January 2021 due to “anti-party activities” when he contested the 2021 civic polls independently and lost.
Environmental Concerns and Government Intervention
The ED’s actions stem from a Punjab Police FIR related to narcotics and drug trafficking. Additionally, Singh faced scrutiny when Punjab’s governor, Banwarilal Purohit, urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take strict measures against Singh’s real estate company. This request came after allegations that two of Singh’s projects, developed by Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL), violated environmental regulations in Mohali.
Investigating Possible Money Laundering
The ED’s investigation, conducted under PMLA provisions, focuses on the financial aspects related to the drug trafficking case. As per the ongoing probe, the ED aims to unravel any potential money laundering activities linked to this case. The agency’s search operations covered various properties associated with Singh and his business interests, aiming to gather crucial evidence for their investigation.
