Enforcement Directorate Raids Lovely Group Linked to AAP MP Ashok Mittal
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, April 15 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate executed searches at various sites associated with the Lovely Group, led by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, in the towns of Jalandhar and Phagwara, Punjab.
Authorities revealed that these investigations are in relation to suspected breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
The operations are taking place at several establishments, including Lovely Professional University (LPU), Lovely Autos, Lovely Sweets, and the Lovely Distance Education Centre. Additionally, houses and offices tied to Mittal's relatives, such as his brothers Ramesh Mittal and Naresh Mittal, are also under scrutiny.
Further updates are pending.
Mittal, who is the founding Chancellor of LPU and serves as the Deputy Leader of the Rajya Sabha, is recognized as a key figure in the educational landscape of the region.
In 2023, Mittal met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside his family, where he emphasized the critical role of advancing research within higher education. He remarked on LPU's contributions to the national skill development initiative by providing students with education and training pertinent to industry needs.
He expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for his backing of the education sector and acknowledged the government's New Education Policy (NEP) initiative. During this meeting, Mittal and his wife, Rashmi Mittal, presented a bouquet and a handwoven phulkari shawl to the PM, while their daughter and son-in-law, Srishti and Sreshtha Khetan, gifted a framed photo of PM Modi with his late mother.
Earlier, last year, LPU's annual grand cultural festival, 'One India-2025', was inaugurated by the Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Kejriwal praised the event, stating, “It feels like a grand festival of India is underway. The energy among the youth is incredible.” He highlighted the strength of India's diversity, asserting, “One nation, many languages, cultures, philosophy - but one Hindustan. This diversity is our strength.”