ED Raids AAP MLA Kulwant Singh in ₹48,000 Crore PACL Scam Case, Properties Searched Across Punjab

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Chandigarh, April 16, 2025 – In a major development tied to one of the country’s biggest financial scams, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids on multiple properties linked to AAP MLA Kulwant Singh on April 15. The action comes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in relation to the ₹48,000 crore PACL (Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited) scam.

Kulwant Singh, who represents the Mohali Assembly constituency and is known as Punjab’s richest MLA, is alleged to have connections to entities involved in the diversion and laundering of PACL funds.

Properties Searched Across Mohali and Patiala

The ED conducted raids at approximately 15 premises, including Singh’s residence in JLPL area, Mohali, and at the Gian Sagar Medical College in Patiala, institutions reportedly linked to him.

The searches, which began early in the morning, lasted over 14 hours, with officials examining financial records, property documents, and digital evidence. The ED has not yet released a formal statement on the seizures or findings from the raids.

About Kulwant Singh: From Real Estate to Politics

• Kulwant Singh, 63, is the promoter of Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL), a key real estate firm based in Punjab.
• He joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in December 2021 and contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, defeating rivals to secure the Mohali seat.
• His declared assets exceed ₹1,000 crore, making him the wealthiest legislator in the Punjab Assembly.

Backdrop: What is the PACL Scam?

The PACL scam, often called India’s largest Ponzi scheme, involved collecting funds from investors with false promises of land allotment. Over ₹48,000 crore was collected from around 5.5 crore investors, with alleged diversion of funds through shell companies and hawala channels, some linked to real estate development.

Singh’s name surfaced as part of the ED’s larger crackdown on beneficiaries of these laundered funds, including real estate investments and property purchases in India and abroad.

Previous Investigations Involving Singh

This is not Singh’s first brush with enforcement authorities:

• In 2024, the ED had reportedly questioned him in a money laundering case related to narcotics trafficking.
• His real estate firm JLPL has previously faced land allotment and zoning violations, although no charges have been formally proven.

A senior ED official said on condition of anonymity:

“The agency is probing the flow of funds from PACL into assets created through suspected front companies. Singh’s connection is under financial scrutiny at this stage.”

Political Reactions and AAP’s Silence

The Aam Aadmi Party has not issued an official response regarding the raids on Kulwant Singh. The development has given fodder to opposition leaders, particularly the Congress and BJP, who have accused the ruling AAP of shielding those with questionable financial backgrounds.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari commented:

“How does someone with this financial profile enter public office without scrutiny? The people of Punjab deserve answers.”

BJP leaders in Punjab have also called on the Election Commission to review MLA declarations for undisclosed links to scams.

What Happens Next?

• The ED is likely to summon Kulwant Singh for questioning in the coming weeks.
• His assets, if proven to be linked with laundered PACL money, may be provisionally attached under PMLA provisions.
• Sources say international money trails and shell companies are also being investigated.

Legal experts suggest that if evidence of wilful fund laundering emerges, Singh could face charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA, which may result in asset seizures and imprisonment of up to seven years.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Punjab Politics?

With the PACL probe widening, the involvement of high-profile political figures like Kulwant Singh marks a significant escalation. As Punjab’s ruling party grapples with the implications, the ED’s actions underscore the growing reach of financial enforcement in political domains.

The outcome of this investigation may not only impact Singh’s political future but also test AAP’s internal transparency and its stated commitment to clean governance.

Hindustan Herald will continue to monitor developments in this high-stakes probe.

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