Searches were also carried out at the homes of several officials from the Food & Supply Department

LUDHIANA: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted a raid at the residence of Punjab Congress leader and former minister, Bharat Bhushan Ashu. The operation, which took place early in the morning, saw the ED team descending upon Ashu's residence near Kochhar Market in Ludhiana. Simultaneously, raids were also carried out at the homes of several officials from the Food and Supply Department. Remarkably, the ED's efforts have resulted in the discovery of approximately Rs 5 crore in cash during the course of the raid.

The ED has been tight-lipped regarding the details of the case, refraining from providing any information to the media about the ongoing investigation. In response to the raid, a substantial police presence has been deployed outside the former minister Ashu's residence. Further investigation in the matter is underway. 

It is noteworthy that Bharat Bhushan Ashu had previously served as the Minister of Food and Supplies under the Congress government. During his tenure, allegations of various improprieties, including irregularities in grain transportation, were leveled against him.