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Sidhu backs Channi after ED raids

The CM linked the move to upcoming polls

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Raids by the Enforcement Directorate at multiple locations in Punjab on Tuesday have snowballed into a political controversy. The ED launched raids in around 12 locations in multiple places, including Chandigarh and Mohali, in connection with a probe against individuals and companies alleged to be involved in illegal sand mining.


Premises linked to Bhupinder Singh alias Honey, a nephew of Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, were among those that were raided.

Channi alleged the raids were an attempt to coerce him in the run-up to the polls. “Raids are being conducted at the premises of my nephew. They are targeting me and are trying to put pressure on me in view of upcoming assembly polls. This is not good for democracy. We're ready to fight this,” Channi was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Channi noted that the ED launched similar raids against relatives of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the run-up to last year's polls in West Bengal.

Surprisingly, Channi found support from unexpected quarters. Punjab Congress unit chief Navjot Singh Sidhu said the raids did not mean somebody is guilty. Sidhu said the people who were being raided needed to explain.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal attacked Channi over the raids. Kejriwal told reporters in Chandigarh, “It is sad that a relative of chief minister is being raided for (illegal) sand mining. Despite uncovering it, the chief minister did not take action and even tried to justify it. It is clear that he (CM) and his family are involved in illegal sand mining. What can be expected for Punjab’s future from a person whose family is involved in illegal mining.”

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