Punjab ED Row Deepens As Sanjeev Arora’s Company Rejects ‘Fake Export’ Claims, Questions Agency Action

The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation into Punjab cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora has escalated into a political controversy, with his company, Hampton Sky Realty Limited, rejecting allegations of fake mobile phone exports. The ED claims the company engaged in bogus exports worth nearly ₹157 crore and violated foreign exchange laws. However, the company issued a statement on May 9, 2026, asserting all exported mobile phones—including Apple iPhones, Samsung, and OnePlus devices—had valid IMEI numbers verified by Customs authorities before shipment. Hampton Sky Realty Limited stated it entered the mobile export business in May 2023 under India’s ‘Make in India’ and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, exporting over 44,000 genuine devices. The company claimed Apple and other manufacturers confirmed the authenticity of the devices, and all transactions, including GST payments, were processed through formal banking channels. It also denied any cash dealings or money laundering, insisting complete records exist for every transaction. The company described the GST dispute as a supplier-level issue and clarified that the disputed tax amount had already been deposited, with the matter pending before an appellate authority. It had also filed an FIR at Ludhiana’s Focal Point Police Station, labeling itself a victim of the ED’s actions. The case has intensified political tensions in Punjab, with many viewing the ED’s move as politically motivated ahead of elections. Opposition figures, including AAP-linked leaders, argue the BJP-led central government is using agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department to target opponents who refuse to align with the ruling party. Public sentiment in Punjab appears to be shifting in favor of Arora and the AAP, with critics questioning whether such actions could backfire on the BJP, which already faces limited ground support in the state. Political analysts are debating whether continued probes against opposition leaders could further alienate voters in Punjab. The controversy has also reignited discussions about the use of central agencies for political purposes, with many in the state perceiving it as an attempt to intimidate rather than engage in fair political competition.