AAP’s Sanjeev Arora accused of fake mobile sales worth ₹157 crore amid ED probe

A CNN-News18 investigation has linked Punjab minister and AAP leader Sanjeev Arora to alleged fake mobile phone sales worth ₹157 crore, adding a fresh angle to the Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing money-laundering probe against him.

The latest findings surfaced days after the ED arrested Arora from his official residence in Chandigarh on May 9 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). A special court in Gurugram later sent him to ED custody for a week.

According to the investigation, agencies are examining suspected financial transactions tied to mobile phone trading and alleged bogus business activity. Officials are also probing whether shell firms and layered bank transfers were used to move funds.

Separately, the ED told the court that Arora-linked company Hampton Sky Realty Limited (HSRL) transferred ₹27.73 crore to SK Enterprises between August 2023 and January 2024 through 41 RTGS transactions.

Investigators alleged SK Enterprises was registered in the name of a daily-wage labourer and had no genuine commercial operations. The agency claimed the transactions were routed through multiple bank accounts in phases to conceal the money trail.

Punjab government reshuffles portfolios

Following Arora’s arrest, the Punjab government redistributed departments earlier handled by him.

Industry and Investment Promotion was assigned to Aman Arora, Local Government to Harjot Bains, and the Power department to Tarunpreet Sond. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria approved the changes on Monday evening.

Party sources told The Tribune that Sanjeev Arora is expected to continue in the cabinet without a portfolio for the time being. AAP leaders have called the arrest “political vendetta”.