In a major operation, teams from the Income Tax Department on Monday launched simultaneous raids at multiple properties linked to former Congress legislator and businessman Raminder Awla in Punjab's Ferozepur district.
Widespread Searches Across 12 Locations
Early on Monday morning, a large contingent of officials arrived in Guru Har Sahai in a convoy of 12 vehicles bearing registration plates from Delhi and Haryana. The teams fanned out to conduct searches at a dozen different locations connected to Awla, including his primary residence. The operation continued throughout the day, concluding in the evening.
Sources close to the Awla family revealed that the officials are seeking detailed information regarding his business dealings and sources of income. The former MLA, however, was not present at his residence during the raid. His relatives were reportedly questioned by the investigating teams.
Business Interests and Political Background
Raminder Awla, a businessman with diversified interests, and his brothers operate in the bio-fuel and solar power energy sectors. Their business ventures are spread across multiple locations in different states.
On the political front, Awla was elected as the MLA from the Jalalabad constituency in a 2019 byelection. The seat had fallen vacant after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, who previously held it, was elected to the Parliament. Attempts to contact Awla for his comments on the raids were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.
Officials Maintain Secrecy
The officials involved in the operation have maintained a strict silence regarding the specifics of the case. They have refused to divulge any details about the reasons behind the raids or what the searches have yielded so far. The investigation is ongoing.
