The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple locations, including the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, sparking a political storm and accusations of a politically motivated witch hunt. The raids are connected to a money laundering investigation related to alleged irregularities in the construction of hospitals in Delhi.
Details of the Raids
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the ED searched 13 locations in Delhi and nearby areas, including Bharadwaj's residence. The raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case originates from a complaint filed in August 2024 by Vijender Gupta, then Leader of Opposition, concerning the sanction and execution of 24 hospital projects worth ₹5,590 crore during 2018-19. These projects included the construction of 11 new hospitals and upgrades to 13 existing facilities. The ED alleges delays, cost overruns, and suspected embezzlement in these projects.
Accusations and Rebuttals
Saurabh Bharadwaj has strongly criticized the ED raids, alleging that they are part of a conspiracy orchestrated by the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) to frame him in a false case. He claims that officers were instructed not to implement his directives. Bharadwaj also stated that he offered himself for arrest three times during the ED raid, asserting his innocence and willingness to face investigation.
The AAP has rallied in support of Bharadwaj, denouncing the raids as a misuse of investigative agencies by the BJP-led central government. AAP leaders have linked the timing of the raids to the ongoing controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's academic degree, suggesting the raids are a diversionary tactic. They argue that the case against Bharadwaj is baseless and politically motivated, pointing out that the allegations pertain to a period when he was not even a minister.
The Alleged Hospital Construction Scam
The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) registered a case against Bharadwaj and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain, following approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The allegations involve large-scale corruption, inflated costs, unauthorized constructions, and misappropriation of funds in health infrastructure projects.
Specifically, the ACB's investigation revealed systematic manipulation of project budgets, misuse of public funds, and collusion with private contractors. One of the flagship schemes, the ₹1,125 crore ICU Hospital Project aimed at creating 6,800 beds across seven pre-engineered facilities, is reportedly only half complete despite heavy spending. The ACB states that it found massive irregularities, unexplained delays, and significant misappropriation of funds in relation to the construction of various hospitals, polyclinics, and ICU wings across Delhi.
Political Fallout
The raids have triggered a fierce political backlash, with AAP accusing the central government of attempting to suppress their voice and divert attention from key issues. AAP leaders have vowed to continue fighting against corruption and government wrongdoing, despite the pressure. They point to the previous case against Satyendar Jain, where the CBI and ED allegedly found no evidence of wrongdoing after a prolonged investigation, as evidence of the fabricated nature of these cases.
The Delhi Lieutenant Governor's office has not yet responded to the allegations made by Saurabh Bharadwaj. The political ramifications of these raids are likely to continue to unfold as the investigation progresses.
