AAP Protests Across Punjab After ED Arrests Minister Sanjeev Arora

The Aam Aadmi Party staged protests across Punjab on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following the Enforcement Directorate's arrest of Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in a ₹100 crore GST-linked money laundering case. AAP leaders and workers burned effigies of the BJP-led central government and raised slogans accusing it of weaponizing central agencies against opposition figures.

Arora, 62, was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after ED conducted raids at his official residence in Chandigarh's Sector 2 on May 9. The probe centers on alleged financial irregularities involving entities linked to him, including Hampton Sky Realty Limited, where he served as a director. The company stated it is fully cooperating with statutory authorities.

Multiple AAP ministers, including Mohinder Bhagat who led demonstrations in Jalandhar, denounced the arrest as politically motivated and accused the central government of obstructing Punjab's development. Protests were also held in Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Barnala, with party leaders alleging systematic targeting of AAP by the ED and CBI.

AAP leaders claimed the Centre resorts to such actions when facing electoral pressure. The ED continues its investigation, while Arora remains in custody. The court is expected to hear his custody plea early this week.