New Delhi, Aug.26,2026:The raids were part of an intense money laundering investigation tied to allegations of mismanagement in Delhi’s hospital construction projects. An ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) was registered following an ACB-filed FIR in June
ED raid AAP Saurabh Bhardwaj shocks Delhi
ED raid AAP Saurabh Bhardwaj began the day with a thunderclap: on August 26, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate carried out coordinated searches at 13 locations across Delhi-NCR, including the residence of AAP leader and former Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj. The move has sent ripples through Indian political circles.
What triggered the ED raid?
The raids were part of an intense money laundering investigation tied to allegations of mismanagement in Delhi’s hospital construction projects. An ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) was registered following an ACB-filed FIR in June, reportedly exposing graft and inflated costs in public health contracts.
Details of the hospital construction probe
Key allegations in the probe center around:
- ₹5,590 crore sanctioned during 2018–19 for building 24 hospitals, now largely incomplete.
- One ICU hospital project: budget escalated from ₹488 crore to ₹1,135 crore, yet only 50% completed despite ₹800 crore spent.
- Allegations of unauthorized constructions, suspicious contractor roles, and stalling of a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) since 2016.
Political fallout & fiery responses
BJP stands firm
Delhi BJP leaders welcomed the ED raid, asserting that the AAP government “looted Delhi with both hands” through corruption in public projects.
AAP pushes back hard
AAP leaders responded with blistering criticism:
- Atishi (on X) argued the raid is a political diversion, stating:
“Are PM Modi’s degree allegations being distracted by chasing Saurabh Bhardwaj? This case is fake — he wasn’t even minister at that time.”
- Manish Sisodia: “When the entire country was discussing PM Modi’s fake degree, this ED raid is clearly to divert attention. This case is fake.”
- Arvind Kejriwal denounced the raids as misuse of central agencies to silence dissent, claiming:
“No party in history has been targeted like this.”
- Sanjay Singh charged the case is baseless, alleging that:
“To force us to bow, BJP is fabricating cases against AAP.” He accused the government of using agencies to “falsely prosecute” them.
Legal and procedural angles
- The raid was conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA, part of the investigation prompted by a June FIR from the Anti-Corruption Branch. The probe includes both public officials and private contractors.
Why this matters for Delhi and India
- Public health stakes: Alleged misuse of ₹5,590 crore meant for hospital infrastructure directly affects citizens’ healthcare.
- Erosion of trust: Projects partially completed despite massive costs can erode public faith in governance.
- Pre-election dynamics: With political heat rising, opposition parties allege central overreach—raising urgent questions about institutional independence.
The ED raid AAP Saurabh Bhardwaj case has instantly become a flashpoint in national politics—raising profound questions about accountability, institutional autonomy, and political motivations. Whether the probe exposes genuine malfeasance or turns into another episode of political tit-for-tat, its impact on public perception may endure far beyond the investigation itself.
