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PPCB raids Trident Group unit after Gupta switches to BJP, sparking vendetta accusations
A PPCB team raided the Trident Group textile unit in Dhaula, Punjab, about a week after Rajinder Gupta defected to the BJP. The opposition accused the move of political vendetta, while AAP described the inspection as routine. Background context includes 2022 pollution protests linked to Trident Group.
Why It Matters
The raid highlights tensions in Punjab politics following Gupta's BJP switch and raises questions about the use of regulatory agencies in political disputes. It also connects to ongoing concerns about industrial pollution in the state.
Timeline
4 Events
May 1, 2026 – Media reporting and political reactions
May 1, 2026
The raid and its context were reported in the media the day after, with BJP linking the timing to Gupta’s switch and accusing the AAP government of attempting to settle scores. AAP stated the inspection was routine and denied any government involvement, while Congress criticized what it saw as the misuse of agencies by the AAP government.
April 30, 2026 – PPCB raids Trident Group unit in Dhaula
April 30, 2026
A PPCB team of at least 18 officials arrived at the Trident Group's textile unit in Dhaula, Punjab, around 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in six vehicles and conducted an inspection that lasted several hours. The team collected samples of discharged effluent, groundwater, and other materials to ensure environmental safety standards. The operation concluded with the team leaving the premises at 7:30 pm and was described by PPCB as a routine check.
April 24, 2026 – Rajya Sabha defections include Gupta
April 24, 2026
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs defected to the BJP on April 24, 2026, two-thirds of the party’s Upper House strength. Rajinder Gupta was among those who switched sides.
2022 – Protests over Trident Group pollution
2022
In 2022, farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) staged protests across Barnala, Moga, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Patiala, alleging pollution from the Trident Group plant and its wastewater impacting soil and crops.