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FEMA probe: ED expands probe, raids premises of Arora’s aide
The Enforcement Directorate widened its FEMA probe, conducting searches at associates of cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora, including his aide Neeraj Satija, and later concluding raids on Arora’s premises. The searches span multiple locations in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, and are linked to alleged money laundering, round-tripping from the UAE, and illegal betting networks, with broader investigations into related real estate and partner firms.
Why It Matters
This marks a significant intensification of ED action against a government minister’s circle, with potential regulatory, political, and financial-market implications tied to claims of illegal activities and bet-linked funds.
Timeline
8 Events
Funds allegedly converted into legitimate investments via fake GST entities and real estate
April 18, 2026
The agency alleges these funds were converted into legitimate investments through fake purchases from non-existing GST entities and invested in real estate via Arora’s companies.
Link to Chander Shekhar Aggarwal and Khiladi Book betting platform alleged
April 18, 2026
The probe has also linked the minister to Jalandhar-based businessman Chander Shekhar Aggarwal, an accused in the ₹6,000-crore Mahadev App scam who reportedly operates the ‘Khiladi Book’ betting platform. ED officials suspect Arora used political influence to provide protection to illegal betting operators in exchange for profits.
Hemant Sood linked to round-tripping and hawala routes; UAE funds and FPI channeling
April 18, 2026
According to officials, Arora’s business partner, Hemant Sood of Findoc Finvest, assisted in round-tripping funds from the UAE and laundering proceeds from insider trading. Sood is alleged to have aided hawala operators in channeling crime money into India via the Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) route.
Probes into Hampton Sky Realty Ltd; Kavya as MD; alleged irregularities
April 18, 2026
Investigators are examining multiple financial irregularities linked to Hampton Sky Realty Ltd, a firm promoted by Arora where his son Kavya serves as managing director. The agency alleges illegal land-use changes, fraudulent sales bookings to manipulate share prices, and insider trading.
Farmhouse project along Ladowal Road linked to probe; partners include Satija and Hemant Sood
April 18, 2026
The operation is linked to a farmhouse project along Ladowal Road that recently received government approval. The project involves five-to-six partners, including Satija and Hemant Sood, proposing the development of 30 to 40 farmhouses, each spread over an area of one acre or more.
Raid on Arora's premises concludes after 24-hour search; documents seized
April 18, 2026
Also on Saturday, the ED concluded raids on Arora’s premises after a 24-hour intensive search and seized some documents, according to people privy to the probe.
ED widens probe; searches conducted on Neeraj Satija’s premises in Ludhiana
April 18, 2026
On Saturday, ED widened its FEMA probe by conducting searches at Neeraj Satija’s residence and office in the Model Town area of Ludhiana. The agency is believed to have recovered certain documents during earlier searches.
ED carries out initial FEMA searches at Arora’s circle across 13 locations
April 17, 2026
On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences and offices of cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora, his son Kavya, and his business partners across 13 locations in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh as part of the ongoing FEMA probe into alleged money laundering and round-tripping from the UAE.